SUDDEN DEATH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1568, 24 June 1916, Page 3

SUDDEN DEATH.

MR. AV. P. COLLINS—AGED 62,

The death took place on Thursday evening, at his mother's residence, Main Street, of a well-known Foxton identify in the person of William Patrick (“Billy”) Collins, at the age of 62 years. The immediate cause of death was heart failure, and his death was quite unexpected. The deceased appeared to he in his usual health during - the day and in the evening was silting - down conversing with his mother, when he

expired. The late Mr Collins was a native of New Zealand, having' been horn in Wellington, lie. was one of Foxton’s oldest residents, hawing come here with his parents when a hoy, and had resided here ever since, a period of over 50 years. He was engaged for many years as a shunter on the local wharf, and afterwards conducted a carrying business. Lately he laid been employed by Hie local Borough Council. The deceased was an excellent swimmer, and had saved several people from drowning in the Mana.wa.tu River. He was the holder of a Royal Humane Society’s medal for life saving. In the earlier days ho took a very keen interest in sculling, and was a member of the champion Foxton crew that raced in the old Dolly Vardcn over 30 years ago. This crew put up some splendid performances on the Manawatu river, and also at Wanganui and Wellington. The other members were, Air John Collins, of Foxton (brother of deceased), and the late Messrs John Symons and Arthur Howe. THE INQUEST, An inquest was held before All’. Fraser, Esq., coroner, at the S.M. Court, Foxton, yesterday morning. Evidence was given by Sarah Collins, mother of deceased, who staled that on Thursday, 22nd inst., deceased had tea at about 4.30 pan., and then went to his room and sal on his bed. AVitness sat with him and talked about the war. Alter a little while ho laid his head back against the wall, and when witness spoke to deceased he did not answer. Witness then took hold of his hand and found that he was dead. AVitness sent for a doctor.

Dr. Maudl deposed that deceased consulted him about a fortnight agOj He was then suffering from heart trouble, valvular incompetence, with irregular pulse. Was called to see him on Thursday, and found him dead. Knowing his condition, he should say death resulted from the weak state of his heart, following on a meal. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased died from heart failtare. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon, leaving the residence of Mrs P. Collins, Main Street, at 2.3 U o’clock, for the Foxton eemeterv.