SUDDEN DEATH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 33, 8 January 1884, Page 2

SUDDEN DEATH.

( Wellington Paper.) A melancholy fatality' occurred last night m Manners-street. Mr Jacob Monteith, chemist, was suplying some, medicine to Mr Gh Florence, barman lo Mr John Maginnity, about a quarter quarter past nine o'clock, when Mr Monteith seemed to be seized with a sudden pain, and asking the customer to wait a few moments, Mr Monteith went into the yard. Mr Robert Evans, Customs officer, entered the shop soon after, and being 1 told that Mr Monteith had gone.to ihe yard, being unwell, and seeinoil to be rather long m returning, Mr Evans went to see. He found Mr Monteith sitting apparently m great pain, having 1 vomited ; and/ being then quite helpless, Mr Ijvans carried him into the dispensing -room uud laid him on a sofa, sending at once fur a doctor. Only a few minutes elapsed before Dr Tripe arrived, and he found MV Monteilh alive, but evidently dying. Before anything could lie done he expired. His sister was sent for, and arrived at the shop directly. From the appearance of Mr Monteith 's body, the cause of death could no be ascertained. Information was sent to the police, and Sergeant Anderson took necessary action. Some of the vomit was placed m a jar, and as there had evidently been a disturbing element m the stomach, the preparation may have to be analysed. Mr Monteith had not been previously unwell, or had not been under medical care. Ho was walking about the wharf m the^fjternoon, apparently m his usual health, though he did mention to Mr T. Dwan, auctioneer, .' that ho felt a tightness m the eh st, supposed to be caused by a cold, and a remark was made about taking medicine for it. Whether he suffered from heart disease or apoplexy may be «s---ceitaiued when the post mortem examination is made. He was unmarried and very temperate, his age being about 40 years, and he was a. popular officer of the volunteers, 'in "which he held rmk as li-iuteua'it. He was a son of the late Dr. Monteith. one < f the ea*lio t settlers m Wellington, an.i having been m b sjness as a chemist many years, Le was anong toe best known members of the community, and was much esteemed, bis' sudden .demise will be a shock to nnny friend*. The Coroner wi'l bold an inquest.