DYING MAN ON BOARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 770, 17 September 1929, Page 1

DYING MAN ON BOARD

STEAMER’S RACE TO PORT SUICIDE OF ENGINEER A great race made by the Hain Line steamer Tregonnel of over 270 miles to obtain medical aid for a dying man was related at the inquest regarding the death of Reginald Nicholas, second engineer of the vessel, held this morning before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. Coroner. A verdict of suicide while temporarily of unsound mind was returned. Tragic circumstances surrounded the death of Mr. Nicholas. He was found lying in his bunk on Sunday morning bleeding from a wound in his throat, while a pen-knife was found near by. First aid was immediately given and, realising his serious condition. Capt. S. Richards, master of the steamer, ordered the ship to turn about and race to Auckland for medical assistance. The Tregonnell was then 45 miles west-north-west of the Three Kings and was en route from Westport to Nauru Island. Throughout Sunday and yesterday the steamer was raced at fill] speed and arrived in port las! evening. The happening had been reported by wireless and all preparations were made for the patient's quick transport to the hospital, but on boarding the ship Dr. G. G. Russell, Mr. Sinel, local representative of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and the police found that Mr. Nicholas had died as the steamer was in the Rangitoto Channel. He had been sinking rapidly and was only conscious once for a short while. At the inquest this morning Capt. Richards said that, on Sunday morning he was called to the deceased's cabin by the chief engineer. He found Mr. Nicholas with a wound in his throat which was bleeding profusely. He showed signs of mental disturbance and his conversation was most disjointed. “In Westport on September 12 lie said that the job was getting on his nerves and lie asked for a complete rest from the engine-room.'' said Capi. Richards. This was granted him and he took a week on watch. He did noi seem to mind taking the watch and, in fact, was much brighter. William James Fraser, steward on the Tregonnel, said that he was talk ing with Mr. Nicholas between' S o’clock and 5.20 on Saturday evening and he then appeared to be all right. Shortly after 5 o’clock the next morning witness noticed a light in the cabin and prepared to make him a cup of tea, but on taking it to him he found the light out and took the tea away again. Later he went to wake him for breakfast and he made the discovery that the man was injured.