SUDDEN DEATH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1746, 30 October 1917, Page 3

SUDDEN DEATH.

ARTHUR E. B. TURNER. The somewhat startlingly sudden death took place yesterday at the residence of Mr Geo. Coley, at Hiraatangi, of Mr Arthur E. B. Turner. Deceased was employed by his fath-er-in-law, Mr Geo. Coley, and lived at the homestead. Deceased was in town on Saturday night, apparently in his usual health. Details of his death Avere submitted at the inquest this morning. The late Mr Tumor married a daughter of Mr Geo. Coley about ten years ago. Prior to going faming, he was employed by Messrs Levin and Co. on the river boats in his capacity as an engineer. He was of a quiet disposition, and held in high esteem by all who knew him. Much sympathy will be extended to his wife, who at the time of her late husband’s death was visiting bis relatives in the South Island. To his wife and child we, in common with the Foxton pupblic, extend our heartfelt sympathy. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon, leaving All Saints’ Church for the Foxton cemetery at 2.30 p.m.

THE INQUEST.

An inquest was held at Himatangi this morning, before Mr Alf. Fraser, district coroner, when the following evidence was taken: — Mrs Katherine Coley stated that on Sunday morning deceased got up between 5 and 6 o’clock, and went out to milk as usual. He came back between 8 and 9, and had breakfast. There was for breakfast lamb’s fry and bacon, boiled schnapper, porridge and tea. Deceased had some boiled schnapper, porridge, bread and butter and tea, as also did the others. After breakfast deceased went out to the cow bails to clean the separatoi’. About 11 o’clock her little boy came in and said Turner was ill. On going out she found him lying on the gTound, and in reply said he had had a faint, but would be alright, and asked to be left alone. Witness assisted him into the house, and got him to bed, and gave him a little weak whiskey and water. From then on he had nothing but milk and water and water alone. He conplained of great thirst, continually asking for drinks. He didn’t complain of any pain, but said his left hand and left side seemed numbed, and he didn’t seem to be able to lift the drink to' his mouth. Witness wanted fo send for a-doctor, but he asked her not to, saying he would be alright. As he did not get any better through the night, Mr Coley got up at 6 o’clock on Monday morning and wont in to Foxton and brought Dx - . Mandl out. Dr. Mandl, after seeing him, suggested a consultation -with another doctor, and Mr Coley rang xxp for Dr. Peach, who arrived in about an hour. Deceased up to the time of taking ill appeared to be in his usual state of health and spirits. He went into Foxton on Saturday night to the pictures, and before leaving again for home had some supper, including some tinned cheese. Dr. Mandl stated that Mr Coley came in for him shortly after 6 o’clock on Sunday morning. As soon as he saw deceased he knew that he was very ill, and after treating him, suggested calling in another doctor. In consultation with Dr, Peach he again examined deceased, and they agreed that all the indications and symptoms pointed to ptomaine poisoning. They did all they could, but deceased sank and died about 2 o’clock. In reply to a question by the Coroner, witness said it xvas possible that the cheese may have been the cause, but it was very hard to determine, as ptomaine poisoning Avould not,manifest itself until from 12 to 48 hours afterwards, although sometimes, of course, much quicker, depending upon the state of the intestines at the time. Both he and Dr. Peach had no hesitation in saying that death resulted from ptomaine poisoning. The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to ptomaine poisoning.