AN INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1930, Page 8

AN INQUEST

tßy Telegraph—Press Association)

ASHBURTON, February 25

An allegation that two letters written by Constable David Ogilvy Brown just before he shot himself at Rakaia an February 18th, one of them addressed to the Commissioner of Police at Wellington, had been suppressed, was made by W. J. Hunter (for relatives of deceased at the inquest) to-day, and the Coroner adjourned inquiries sine die, to allow of the attendance of Superintendent Bates and the Commissioner to produce the letters. , Evidence showed that Brown, who was transferred to Rakaia on January 25th, was worried over his duties, which included the Clerk of Court, Bailiff, Arms Officer and Collector of Statistics.

One witness gave evidence that deceased complained bitterly at being sent to a country station at Rakaia, and not being informed of what was in front of him. He said he had applied for a transfer to Levin where he would have been second in command. Me had had absolutely no experience in Court work and statistical work had also worried him. He had several weeks leave ,due to him and applied for two weeks of it so that he could remain with the relieving officer and learn some of his work.

Arthur James McPherson, engineer to Rakaia Road Board, in giving evidence as above, said he spoke to Supt. Bates on the afternoon of the tragedy and the latter said “I am afraid McPherson that anything you might .say about it will he outweighted b y a note to the Commissioner which will come before the Coroner. The Supt. also said that Brown had prepared a letter of several sheets to the Commissioner. Brown had previously said ho would not apply for another shift, because in the force if a man were shifted and applied for another shift he was told if he could not do the work, there was only one thing for him to do, to go. Brown Had applied for leave but was refused.