BAR-ROOM FATALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 132, 28 October 1914, Page 8

BAR-ROOM FATALITY.

DEATH IN HOTKL DAK. A CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. By Telegr&pk.—Per Press Associativa. Dunedin, October 27. Gcorgo Prain, who retired a year ago on superannuation from the position of chief clerk in the Customs Department hero, wa.s killed last night in the Gladstone Hotel bar. Jic was apparently wrestling with another man ami fell on hia head. Ernest Dallas has been arrested on a charge of manslaughter. Prain was a well-known cricket umpire and had on several occasions accompanied the Otago team on tour. He was aged 57, a widower, and had two sons with the expeditionary force.

Dunedin, List Night. Tha inquest on the body of George Prain, who died suddenly in I lie bar of the Gladstone Hotel last night, was opened to-day. Krnest Dallas" who has been charged with manslaughter as the result of the death, was present. The evidence of Dr. Church showed iliat deatli wa s due to the rupture of a Wood-vessel in the membranes of the brain. He thought the full was due to hemorrhage, and not the result of a blow.

Chief-Detective Herbert said it appeared that t!ie deceased and the man m custody were strangers. When they met in tlie bar deceased had a do;-, with which the man charged was making himself free, so that the deceased told him to leave it alone. They seemed to have had a drink later, and to have iv-.-uined .the aigament. Both were apparently under the. inlhience of liquor, and they got into holds, and the deceased leil. Several people present said deceased was not struck, but one man stated thai lie was.

The Coroner (Ah- Graham) said he could only find a verdict of 'meiiinirna! hemoiwiage, but lie would like to have tvidince leading [o that excitement ami weir-! adjourn the inquest till 10.31}' a.m. i'ii Thursday.