DEATH FOLLOWS ARGUMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1919, Page 4

DEATH FOLLOWS ARGUMENT.

SCENE IN AN HOTEL By Telegraph.—Press Association. Blenheim, Last NightA tragedy occurred in the Wairau Valley on Saturday night resulting in th» death of George O'Leary, fiaxmiU hand. Evidence at the inquest disclosed that deceased had been refereeing in a foot* ball match and afterwards ■ attended a football meeting at an hotel. Subsequent to the meeting some of the company adjourned to the tap-room where drinks were served. An argument arose and some heat was displayed, the deceased remarking that Sasse (the licensee of the Hotel) was an Australian, and the deceased would like "a smack at an Aussie." An altercation ensued between the deceased and Sasse. A window was broken and deceased received a mark above his left eye. No witness admitted seeing any actual blow struck. The deceased afterwords collapsed and never regained consdouinesß. Medical evidence stated that deceased suffered from a long standing d</e*»e of the heart. The actual cause of death was dilation of the heart, which «ould be brought about by exertion as referte at a football match, accelerated by ft heated argument or a blow. The inquest is proceeding.