CHINESE LEPER

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1931, Page 6

CHINESE LEPER

HANGS HIMSELF.

AUCKLAND TRAGEDY.

(By Telegraph —Per Press Association)

AUCKLAND, September 20,

Wong Tim Poy, the Chinese fruiterer, aged about 50, whose body was found hanging in the cellar of his house at Grey’s Avenue, on Saturday morning was suffering from leprosy, and he was to have been isolated on Saturday The further discovery that Poy’s house had been broken into, and 'that a suitcase belonging to him had been stolen was made this morning. Poy was married, and his wife lives in China. He mad© arrangements to leave Auckland for China some days ago, but he was prevented from doing so by the Health Authorities.

A medical examination of him was made, and his cas© was‘definitely diagnosed as leprosy on Friday. It is understood, that Poy learned the result, although he was not informed by the authorities. '

Prior to Friday Poy was sharing a house with another Chinese, but the latter removed to other premises early on Friday evening. He returned on Saturday morning, and he found the body in the cellar. The Chinese made another visit to the house this morning, which in the meantime, had been locked up. There.were signs that someone had entered the premises by forcing open a rear window. A suitcase, which belonged to Poy, was missing, and the gas meter was broken open and the contents were stolen.

Referring to the case, Dr. T. J. Hughes, Medical Officer of Health, said that arrangements had been made with the Hospital authorities" for Poy to be temporarily isolated before being sent to the Leper Station. There was some element of danger in the fact that Poy’s property might have come into the possession of another person, but the disease was not as contagious as it was generally thought. Moreover the disease had not advanced further than the early stages.' It was desirable, however, that any personal property should be in the hands of the health authorities.

VERDICT OF SUICIDE. AUCKLAND, September 21. A verdict of suicide was returned at the inquest on Wong Tim Poy, who was found hanging in a cellar on Saturday. A Doctor said deceased had consulted him in June for a complaint which deceased thought was ringworm. He recommended treatment which was not successful. Witness suspected leprosy on September 16, and the diagnosis was confirmed by a specialist. Chinese witnesses said deceased attempted to leave for China by the Orangi on September 7th, but the ship’s Doctor ordered him off. Deceased left tU hoto in part: “Heart dealt,' ear ended, never walked or stepped,” and that he was depressed. An interpreter said this meant deceased died with a clear conscience, and could no longer hear.