AN INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1930, Page 5

AN INQUEST

THE SON’S EVIDENCE

[By Telegraph, Per Press Association. :

PALMERSTON N,. April 4

At the Price inquest, John Price, son of deceased, who was alone with his father in the house at the time of the tragedy, gave evidence this afternoon. He was in the box for two hours. He told the court lie did not hear the report of the gun, although he was sleeping in a room ten feet away with his door open, as also was that of the father’s room. He accounted for this in that he had sleepless nights previously, owing to a sprained wrist, but that night it was better, and he slept heavily. It was also his habit to sleep with the blankets over his head. He reiterated the opinion that his father had been murdered, and lie denied telling a boy next door that his father had been shot before the police and doctor arrived back from the morgue with the information. He explained the fact of his father being on the floor by stating his custom was to sleep like that when his mother was away, although lie had never seen him before without a pillow. His father seemed in the best of spirits that evening. When he saw his father still on the floor, he went in and touched his foot, which was cold and stiff, but he did not call him, nor make any further examination. He tried to get four doctors unsuccessfully, so he went to a neighbour with the news of his death. He knew his father was insured, and was aware that payment would not bo made in ease of suicide, but he did not know the time limit was twelve months. .

Witness did not explain how he obtained this information, which counsel intimated was unusual knowledge for a boy of .sixteen. Witness stated the family were on the best terms.

The inquest resumes to-morrow