SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1092, 3 May 1913, Page 2

SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

Wanganui, May -2

A shocking tragedy is repotted from Taumarunui, two deaths occurring as the result of a drinking bout. The information to hand is rather meagre, but it appears that a number of men had secured several gallons of whisky from the Waikato, and gave themselves up to a night of drinking. Two of the men —Gantley and Gillies—had both to be assisted home to bed, and on Thursday morning the former was found dead, whilst his companion, Gillies, was in such a serious condition that medical aid had to be summoned. Dr M’Knight arrived about noon, but in the meantime death had intervened. It is said that two or three others were suffering from alcoholism, but to a much lesser extent.

The police secured the whisky with the object of having it analysed. The affair has naturally caused a sensation in the district.

At the iuquest the medical evidence was to the effect that deceased had met their death through respiratory and circulatory paralysis, this being due to alcoholic poisoning. The doctor would not give a certificate until the contents of the stomach were analysed. It appeared that the liquor was brought from Frankton to Punga Punga, near Manunui, where the men worked as bushmen. Witnesses deposed that some dozen men drank the contents neat in mugs.

The Inquest was adjourned until the analysis bad been obtained.