ASPHYXIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1393, 1 May 1915, Page 2

ASPHYXIATION.

TWO FATALITIES. Wellington, April 30. Two deaths occurred in Wellington last night or early this morning, under circumstances which lead to the belief that both were due to asphyxiation by gas. Waller Holmes, aged 39, returned to his lodgings in Mulgrave street after working at the wharf, and was lonnd at 7.30 dead in bed. There was no gas jet in the room, which was on the first floor, but the landlady, on going to the room to call Holmes noticed a strong smell of gas. Another lodger also complained of feeling very sick. The second death occurred In a house on the opposite side of the street to that in which Holmes died. In this case the deceased was James Robert Smith, aged 19, employed as an engine cleaner in the Thermion railway station. He went to bed at 10 last night, aud the landlady found him, at 7.30, quite dead. He had been frothing at the mouth. There was a gas meter in his bedroom, but no jet. Smith came from Gisborne, and his parents live in Westport. The window of his room was partly open. Householdeis in various parts of the city report a strong escape of gas in their houses during the night.

THREE MORE DEATHS

Later. Three Chinese iu Tiuakori road were found lying dead tu their beds. There was a strong smell of gas In the house. The bodies of the five victims have been removed to the morgue, pending the inquests. The affair Las created a sensation.