SIMM DEATH AT TE WHETU.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 281, 28 March 1929, Page 4

SIMM DEATH AT TE WHETU.

OLD AGE PENSIONER. Death Due to Natural Causes. James Keville, an old age pensioner, residing at Te Whetu, and employed as a casual hand by the Bartholomew: Timber Company, was found dead in his hut on Sunday. The deceased had been ailing for some time and some eight or nine months ago he; had consulted a doctor. The deceased, who was a native of Ireland, had been in the Dominion for some years, and is believed to have a sister in Dunedin and a brother in Petone.

An inquest concerning the death of James Keville was held before Mr. J. W. Barr Brown, J.P., coroner, at Te Whetu, on Sunday afternoon.

Evidence was given by John Oliver Pettit, secretary to the Bartholomew Timber Company, as to knowing the deceased for a number of years. Keville had been employed of late doing odd jobs for the company, and on Thursday last he had taken ill whilst emptying sawdust and was taken to his hut by the locomotive men. Dr. I-laslett, of Putaruru, was communicated with and he advised the necessary treatment. On Saturday the deceased was walking about, but on Sunday witness was called to deceased’s hut, where he was lying in bed apparently dead. Artificial respiration was tried without avail.

Roy Lomas, a schoolboy, deposed as to taking the deceased’s meals to him during his illness, and as to finding him apparently dead. James King gave evidence as to the deceased taking ill on the Thursday. Dr. S. L. Haslett’s evidence was to the effect that death was due to natural causes. Deceased had consulted witness about eight .months ago, when he was found to be suffering from angina pectoris. Death, in witness’ opinion, was due to this. The coroner (Mr. J. W. Barr Brown) returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.