“FEARED CHARGES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 997, 13 June 1930, Page 16

“FEARED CHARGES”

SUICIDE OF TAKAPUNA MAN WOMAN’S COMPLAINT The inquest concerning the death of William Patrick Lennox, aged 47, of 5 Sanders Avenue, Takapuna, who was found dead in his house about midday on June 1, was conducted yesterday by the coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. A verdict of suicide by gas poisoning was returned. Robert Shaw, a neighbour, said that on June 1, he, accompanied by his brother, went to Lennox's house. He was paying this visit in view of a complaint made to him by his wife concerning Lennox. He found the house locked up, and the blinds pulled down. There was a smell of gas about the place. Dr. S. Mackay, of Takapuna. who was called in by the police, said that Lennox was lying on the kitchen, with his head in a gas oven. He considered death was caused by gas poisoning. In his evidence Detective Allsopp said he went to Lennox’s house, which was locked, and on forcing his way in discovered Lennox lying dead. There was a note alongside the body, reading “Not guilty.” The detective was aware of the fact that Lennox was living alone and that his wife was in Dunedin. “There seems to be little doubt about it. He feared the charges made against him and consequently committed suicide,” said the Coroner, in returning his verdict.