DEATH OF MR ALEX. NIEL

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 478, 4 November 1919, Page 2

DEATH OF MR ALEX. NIEL

Coronial Inquiry Ihe death occurred at Pukekohe East last week of Mr Alex. Niel, at the age of 63 years. An inquest was subsequently held by Mr Cecil Boadley, District Coroner, and it appears from the evidence given by Mrs Minnie Niel, wife of deceased, that on the day of his death, he arose as usual to milk his cows, and proceed to the factory. Shortly after arising, he complained of a severe pain in the chest, which he believed was indigestion. At his request, witness adminiotered a strong dose of c.rbonate of soda which appeared*to take favourable effect, as he afterwards appeared much easier. Ho journeyed to the factory and upon returning again complained of the pain Witness massaged his chost. Mrs Niel at her husband's request, hurriedly visited a neighbour in order to procure something to relieve the pain, but on her return found deceased lying on a rug in front of the (ire, he had fallen on to the tloor from a chair. Mrs Niel summoned a neighbour and medical aid, but before the latter arrived, death had ensued. Dr Wake gave evidence to the effect that death was due to heart failure, The Coroner (Mr C. Roadley) in returning a verdict of " death from natural causes" drew attention to the danger of neglecting to consult a medical man in all cases of ailment, stating he had no doubt m his mind, after hearing the evidence, that deceased might have lived to a greater age if he had understood his ailment and taken precautions accordingly.