GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 March 1941, Page 7

GREYTOWN

YOUNG MAN’S DEATH VERDICT AT INQUEST. (“Times-Age” Special.) An inquest was held at the Greytown hospital last night concerning the death of Henry Thomas Strang. The Coroner, Mr. T. E. Lang, presided. Vernon Strang, 11 years of age, gave evidence that the deceased came home and asked him to write on the table, "Goodbye Dad, Mum and the family.” He then went to the bathroom and ctrank some disinfectant from a bottle, and lay down on the floor. Witness called his brother-in-law, Gordon Murray, who was in bed, and Murray sent him to find his parents who were in Greytown.

James Gordon Murray said that he went into Greytown with the deceased in the evening and he collected some wages from a Chinaman. Murray then left Strang. When he arrived home between 8.30 and 9 p.m. Strang was not home, but returned later. When Vernon Strang called him he got up and found the deceased in pain. He gave him castor oil and salt and water. He sent the boy for his parents and telephoned Dr. Oakey. He ascertained that the relieving doctor was in Carterton. He then went to the hospital to get a nurse and when he returned Henry Strang was dead. Thomas Percy' Strang, the father of the deceased, said that he was a railway employee. The deceased resided with him, and was 21 years of age. Since he was seven years of age he had been subject to epileptic seizures and was having them more frequently of late. For some time deceased had spoken of committing suicide because he was unable to join the forces with his mates. The deceased did not quarrel with anyone that day. . Constable Gregor stated that he examined the body and could find no marks of violence. He removed the body to the morgue and also took possession of a bottle of disinfectant.

Dr. Winifred Morton gave evidence that she was acting for Dr. Oakey and was called to Greytown late on Monday evening. She examined the body of Henry Thomas Strang. A post mortem was conducted yesterday and as a result she was of the opinion that death was due to shock following the taking of a corrosive poison. The Coroner returned .a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and expressed his sympathy with the parents. Home Guard. The weekly parade of the Greytown Home Guard will take place this evening. Stop Bank Damaged The heavy rains on Monday night put the Waiohine River in high flood, and the stop bank near McKenzie’s gave way. Fortunately the river fell before serious damage was done. Personal Items. Miss Lorna Gordon, of Levin, is the guest of Mrs. A Johnson, Main Street. Mr. L. Duff, son of Mrs. C. F. Duff, Main Street, who was at one time on the Greytown staff of the Bank of New Zealand,' is now stationed at Taihape. Maori Concert. The Maori concert which is to be held at the Greytown Town Hall this evening is the final effort to be made by the committee in support of their queen. ■ A large party of Maoris from all parts of the Wairarapa will take part, and with the assistance of the Girl Guides, a fine entertainment is promised.