John Brown, (1838-5/2/1864). "thought he was going mad"

A man named John Brown, in the employ of Mr. Barnes, road contractor, was working with two mates on the road now being made in that neighbourhood. On the night of the 4th he woke his tc telling them that he believed he was going out of his mind, and requested to go into town with him in order that he might give himself up to the police. They came in accordingly, and during the night went to the police station, where Brown repeated his statement and asked to be token into custody. The sergeant in charge could discern nothing whatever in the conduct of the man to justify taking him in charge, and, refusing to do so, after a short time the three went away. About 11 o'clock Brown left his work, and about twelve his mates, on searching, found him hanging by a piece of thin cord to a tree in the neighborhood of their tent. They at once cut him down but life was quite extinct. Information was given to the police and the body was brought into town, where it awaits an inquest at the Robin Hood Hotel. Some money found on his person, together with money handed over to the police as belonging to the deceased, amounted to £37 10s, and by a pocket book it appeared that he had a sum of £110 deposited in the Bank of New South Wales for 12 months. In this pocket book an entry, apparently made just before he destroyed himself, appears as follows: — "I am a native of Northallerton, Yorkshire, 25 years of age, December 6, 1863 John Brown." It does not appear that deceased was subject to insanity, but full particulars will no doubt be disclosed at the inquest.  -Press, 10/2/1864

'

An inquest was held on Monday at the Robin Hood, on the body of John Brown, who hanged himself on Friday morning last at the Kaikora valley. Olaf Teber, who was mate of deceased, had resided in the same tent for seven weeks with him. During this time deceased showed no symptoms of abberation of intellect; and there did not appear to be the slightest grounds for supposing that he contemplated suicide. Deceased was an unmarried man, about 24 years of age, and was from Northallerton, in Yorkshire. It seems that he had been appointed foreman over some work in King street, under Mcvenzie's contract, and in the morning preceding the day of his death, he said that he regretted it, because it compelled him to separate from Teber. Early on Friday morning he woke Teber and said, "Olaf, I believe I am going out of my senses, I do not know what is coming over me. I have got some money in the Maitland Bank, and some in my pocket. I have a brother in Maitland." Deceased had come from the Sydney side, and had been in New Zealand about two years. Teber told him to go to sleep and he would be better in the morning, and this seemed to tranquilise him for a few moments. After that interval he again said that he thought he was going mad, and asked Teber to take him into town and give him up to the police. After some hesitation Teber got up and, accompanied by another man who lived in the adjoining tent, went down to the police office; but on the road deceased seemed to recover, and said it was folly to give himself up. The party proceeded, however, and on arrival at the station he stated his case, and requested the police to take charge of him. The constable on duty declined to lock him up, stating that he (the constable) did not see anything that would justify him in doing so. At that time deceased appeared perfectly sane, and the three returned. On the way deceased said that he knew the police would not take him in charge as he felt quite right. He went to bed, and in the morning got up and made breakfast for himself and mate, and then went down to the contractor, Mr Barnes, to settle about some work on the Kaikora. He seemed in better spirits, and spoke about again working with Teber. The work was not to be settled about till the afternoon, and deceased not feeling well, said he would go back to the tent to take some medicine and lie down. Teber returned to the tent about one o'clock, and found that deceased was out. His coat was lying on the bed, and two knives belonging to him were also lying there and newly sharpened. Teber instantly suspected something was wrong, and went out in search, but had gone a very short distance- before he found deceased hanging to a tree in a wood near the creek. At that time he was quite dead, and Teber, with a neighbor, cut him down. On searching his pocketo L31 in notes, six shillings, and a receipt on the Maitland Bank were found. From the evidence of another witness, Frederick Palmer, overseer to Mr Flaxman, it appears that on the morning of Friday deceased applied for work, though he had then two engagements. Mr Palmer could not give him work then, but asked him to call again. Deceased appeared very low spirited then, but Mr Palmer attributed it to being out of work. The police constable to whom deceased applied at the watchhouse, and who attended when information of the suicide was given, gave similar evidence to that of the previous witnesses, and proved that the death of deceased must have been by his own act. The pocket book of deceased contained amongst other things the address of an unmarried female in England, with some doggrel love verses. There could be no doubt that deceased committed suicide while laboring under temporary insanity, for he had been a sober steady man, and a verdict to that effect was returned.  -Otago Witness, 13/2/1864.

Robert William Eves, (1832-4/3/1864). "a letter from a a female"

SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

(From the Daily News.) It is our painful duty to record the termination of another existence. It appears that at about seven o'clock Friday morning, the body of a man was found in Constitution-street, strangled by being tied to a fence with a pocket handkerchief. The legs were upon the ground, one being bent under the other, almost in a kneeling position. The body was still warm when discovered. It was immediately cut down and conveyed to the York Hotel, in George-street, where it now lies awaiting the coroner's inquest, which will be held this day. The body has since been recognised as that of Henry W. Eves, a lawyer's clerk, who had been in the employ of several legal gentlemen in this city, and recently had a desk in Mr Haggit's office. He was for a long time with Mr Pitman, solicitor, Sandhurst, and Mr Wilson, at Castlemaine, and bore a high character for respectability and honesty. He is about 30 years of age. Upon his person was found the sum of £ll9, in notes, gold, silver, and a cheque, together with a watch, valuable gold ring, a nugget of gold, two keys, a letter from a female, and sundry other papers. Strange to say he had on three coats, one quite new, evidently purchased the evening before, as the shop ticket was still upon it, quite fresh. We are given to understand that he was seen last evening in the Arcade, between nine and ten o'clock. The cause of his terminating his existence in so rash and unhappy a manner, is completely shrouded in mystery. Immediate want as a cause is completely out of the question, as besides the money found upon him he could make at least £l0 per week engrossing. It has been suggested to us that in all probability a love affair has been the cause of this unfortunate young man rushing so rashly into the presence of his Maker. However doubtless, at the inquest much light will be; thrown upon this truly melancholy affair.   -Lake Wakatip Mail, 5/3/1864.

THE CASE OF SUICIDE.

An inquest was held on Saturday by Doctor Hocken, the coroner, at the York Hotel, George street, on the body of Robert William Eves, some particulars connected with whose death have already been published. After the jury had been sworn, and had viewed the body, which was lying in an outhouse, the following evidence was taken: —

John Macintosh: I am a carter, and live in Melville street. I knew the deceased for seven weeks, during which time he lodged in my house. I last saw him alive between seven and eight o'c1ock on Thursday evening. He had been complaining of being unwell, but this evening he was smiling. I spoke to him ns he came down stairs, and asked how he felt. He said, "I never felt better in my life." He asked my wife for a book he had lent her, "The Woman in White," and when she gave it him he asked me if I would like to read it. I declined. He then went out; but at the door he turned and said, "Adieu! Mrs Macintosh. Adieu! Mr Macintosh." I never heard him use such words before, but they did not at the time strike me as peculiar. He went out every evening, but he generally said only that he was going for a short stroll. He was very temperate and regular in his habits, and I never noticed anything peculiar in his manner, except that he did not like to be contradicted. He has told me that he preferred the Caversham Road for a walk, because of the sea air. I do not think he played cards or gambled, or even made a bet. I never knew anything about his money matters. I did not even know what he was until after his death. The illness of which he complained was a sort of headache and sickness at the stomach — such as there is a good deal of going about. I've felt it myself.

By Jurors: I know that the deceased went out to walk three times with a young woman who did some needlework for my wife She was up last evening and seemed to think this would not have happened if she had seen him. There was nothing like an engagement between them. I never was more astonished in my life than when I heard of what the deceased had done The young woman told me she had promised to meet the deceased near the Robin Hood last Saturday evening, but that she was prevented doing so. 

Charles B. Brennan: I am a law clerk in the office of Mr Haggitt. I knew the deceased intimately for about 15 months. He was first in the office of Prendergast, Kenyon, and Maddock with me, and then in Mr Haggitt's office as engrossing clerk. On Thursday evening he left the office at twenty-five minutes after five o'clock, and, as was very unusual, without my accompanying him. I was preparing a deed for him to engross. He said, "I can't wait for you — I have to go." He appointed to meet me at half-past nine, but I was unable to keep it. He was to have given me some money, purely on private business. I always considered him an eccentric kind of man. He always wished to have the best of any argument; and latterly he made a great many mistakes in anything he had to engross, putting in words that were not in his draft. He told me privately that he thought he ought not to have been told to leave Mr Prendergast's office; and I think that preyed on his mind. He would earn about L8 a week, or if he worked at night he could easily make Ll0. I once said to him "You must have saved L100 or more, getting so good a salary." and he replied, "Oh. yes, more than that." He was very close as to his private transactions. He told me that I was his best friend; but when I told him once that I had seen him speaking to a woman in Stafford street be seemed quite angry. He told me he was a native of Kent, but had spent his time mostly in London; that his father and mother were living and that his father was a gentlemen but had got reduced in means. The deceased said he went to Sydney in 1852: and from there to Melbourne. He had been here 18 or 19 months. He was very regular and temperate in his habits. I believe that his name was Robert James Eves, and he had told me that he was 32 years old. He did not play cards, and he would not bet. He knew that his memory was defective and would not rely upon it.

By Jurors: He was very fond of talking about the drama and actors and actresses. He was well informed on most subjects and talked in a way that would not suggest that he was of unsound mind. But he got very angry about trifles that would not have annoyed any really sensible man. I'm sure he was not embarrassed in money matters. He was to have lent me money if I had met him on Thursday evening.

Thomas Jardine: I am a grocer and live in Royal terrace. About a quarter to seven o'clock on Friday morning I just looked out of the door, towards the Bay, and turning my head, I saw the face of the deceased. He was hanging to a fence, and when I went up to him intending to speak, I found that he was cold. He was hanging by a silk handkerchief. I went for assistance, and afterwards went for the police.

By Jurors: I would be an hour and a quarter from the time I saw the deceased until he was cut down by the police sergeant. I could not have saved his life if I cut him down. He was stiff-cold when I fetched the man. The man tried to lift his arm and could not. I was afraid to touch the body.

James Shirer: I am a constable and was on duty in George street yesterday morning, when a man met me and said that a man was hanging the deceased hanging to a fence. His right knee was very nearly touching the ground, but neither of them touched. I put my hand into his bosom and found it quite cold. I tried to move his arm, but the whole body moved, It was not more than 5ft. 3in. or 5ft. 4in. from the point of the fence where the handkerchief by which he was hanging was fastened to the fence. It was a round rail, and there was a piece of sawn timber placed against it, as though it was intended to prevent the handkerchief slipping down. There was not the slightest mark of a struggle in the neighbourhood. I had the body moved to this house. I searched the clothes and so did Sergeant Curran. We found about L120 in gold and notes, a silver watch, a gold ring, and a note which appeared to be from a woman, and is signed "E." The note was as follows:  — 

My dear Robert — Accept this trifling gift as a token of respect. I could not see anything that I liked Better than that. Keep it for my sake. I remain yours truly, "E."

Thomas Curran: I am a police Sergeant. I searched the body of the deceased and found L83 3s 6d in the trousers pocket, together with a small nugget, a pack of obscene cards, some memoranda concerning his business, and two medical prescriptions. Constable Shirer handed to me L40 13s 6d which he had found on the deceased, and a silver watch, and a deposit receipt for L10 from the Bank of New Zealand, dated 13th May, 1863. The cards appeared to be quite new, but the pack was not complete.

By a Juror: I have no reason to suppose that the cards were the "gift" referred to in the note. The one was in the trousers pocket, and the other in a pocket-book.

There was no other witness in attendance; and the inquest was adjourned to noon this day (Monday) to allow time for the police to find the young woman mentioned, and the medical man who wrote the prescriptions.

The adjourned inquest on the body of Robert William Eves, which was found hanging to a fence in Royal Terrace, London street, early on Friday morning, was held on Monday, at the York Hotel, George street, by Dr Hocken, the Coroner.

The following evidence was taken: — 

John Jones Waters: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner. The deceased has been under my care. I prescribed for him five or six times at my own house, the last time being five or six weeks ago. He then told me that he considered himself quite well, and I did not see him afterward. He  was not suffering from insanity nor anything likely to cause it. In fact from the conversation I had with him I considered him a very sensible man, with no tendency to mental disease. 

John Currie: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner. The deceased came to me about three months ago and consulted me upon the state of his health. From the observations he made and his stating that he would never get well, I concluded that he was suffering from melancholia, and I made the remark to another person that I should not be surprised if he did harm to himself. I considered him very likely to become insane. He was much mentally digressed about his health. He left me before he had recovered, and I believe he consulted other medical men. 

Emma Grenieu: I am a dressmaker, and live in Great King-street. I knew the deceased for a few weeks, but only from seeing him at Mr Macintosh's. I last saw him on the day of the laying of the foundation stone of the Exhibition. I did not write the letter signed "E." I never wrote to him at all. I have been out walking with him several times. I have thought that he did not seem happy in his mind, but he never mentioned anything that I thought was a cause of uneasiness. I know nothing whatever of his monetary or private affairs. 

By Jurors: I was to have met him on Saturday, the 20th, but my business prevented my going. I have said that I thought if I had seen him on the night before, that this thing might not have happened; but I can't tell exactly what I meant by it. I was not particularly engaged to him, but the last time I saw him he said he thought I could make him happy. I do not believe that I did anything to cause him mental uneasiness. I only mean by what I have said that he told me he thought I could make him happy, and that if I knew anything was preying on his mind, I could have given him sympathy. We were perfectly friendly when we last parted. I never said anything to the effect that I expected to get from the Coroner some of the deceased's money — I had no reason for ever supposing such a thing.

The Foreman: I move that she writes something to see whether it is like that letter found in the deceased's pocket. I insist upon it. 

A Juror : I second that. 

The Witness: As a gentleman, you might take my word that I never wrote to him. 

The Witness wrote a sentence, remarking that she was so nervous that it was not at all like her ordinary writing; and the Coroner said it proved nothing.

A Witness was called, who said that he sold the deceased a coat about half past nine or ten o'clock on Thursday evening. It was then raining freely. The deceased seemed perfectly rational and collected.

The Coroner briefly summed up, and the jury after consultation, returned a verdict of "Felo de Se."  -Otago Witness, 5/3/1864.

The Daily Times of the 1st reports: — The jury empanelled to inquire into the cause of death of Robert William Eves, attorney's clerk, hanging to a fence in Royal-terrace, have returned a verdict of felo de se. Eve's case is a singular one, because, while there was not a word of evidence suggestive of the absence of right reason, there was an equal lack of anything which could be held to be suggestive as a cause of suicide. When John Brown committed suicide a short time since, in the neighborhood of York-place, Eves commented freely upon the strangeness of a man with plenty of money in his pockets destroying is own life; but he repeated the same worse than folly, for nearly £120 were found in his pockets.  -Wellington Independent, 12/3/1864.

No person by the name of Eves is registered as being buried in a Dunedin cemetery.

Dr John Green, (1817-24/3/1863). "nothing more to pay his way with"

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE IN DUNEDIN.

(From the Daily Times, March 25.)

The City Coroner (Dr Hocken) held an inquest yesterday afternoon, at the Royal George Hote1, George-street, on the body of John Green, who committed suicide by poisoning himself early yesterday morning. The circumstances of the case are of a most painful character, and the occurrence has created a sad sensation in the locality in which it took place. It appeared that the deceased, who was about 45 years of age, was a member of the medical profession, and had resided in Victoria, where he successfully practised his profession, for a considerable period. According to the facts elicited at the inquest, the deceased came to Dunedin a few weeks ago, and stayed at the Royal George Hotel for a short time, until he went to the Dunstan, with the intention of starting in business as a doctor. He did not, however, it appears, succeed while in the country, and returned to town a few days ago in a state of disappointment. He had, during the time he was staying at the Royal George, been very reserved in his manner and abstemious in his habits, and little was known of him or his affairs further than that he had said on one occasion that he had made sufficient money by his profession on the diggings in Victoria to retire, as he thought, for the remainder of his days, but he afterwards met with reverses which had materially changed his position in life. Early yesterday morning groans were heard in the room in which the deceased slept, and it was soon discovered that he had taken a large dose of strychnine. The first witness called was William Towers, who on being sworn said he was the landlord of the Royal George Hotel in Dunedin. He had known the deceased for the last six weeks. He stayed at the hotel for a few days after his arrival in Dunedin, and then left for the diggings, stating that he was going to commence practice in his profession as a surgeon. The deceased returned to town four or five days since, and again lodged at witness's hotel. On Sunday last deceased asked for the loan of a book, and witness gave him several, and he selected a novel, at the same time saying that it was light reading, and would relieve his mind. Deceased did not seem despondent, and appeared quite rational. On Tuesday morning, from what he was told by the servant, he went to deceased's room and found him lying on the bed. He (witness) asked deceased what he had been doing, and he replied to the effect that he had spent all the money he had, that he had nothing more to pay his way with, and that he had better quietly put himself out of the way. He sent for a doctor, and the deceased was subsequently taken in a dray to the Hospital, according to his own wish, but brought back again dead. Witness had discovered since that deceased's box contained medicines. He had never noticed anything eccentric in the deceased's manner.

William Christie deposed that he was an engineer residing in Adelaide, South Australia. He was at present staying at the Royal George, Dunedin. He saw the deceased for the first time on Saturday night, and he then told witness that he was a professional man, and had been to the Dunstan to practice as a doctor, but not liking the place he had returned. At that time witness did not observe anything peculiar in deceased's manner. He slept in the next room to the deceased, and about half-past six on Tuesday morning he heard him get out of bed. He afterwards heard him groan very  heavily, several persons went in to deceased's bedroom, and shortly afterwards he (witness) went in and saw the deceased lying in his bed apparently in great pain. 

By a Juror — Witness had noticed the deceased was particularly quiet at all times, and seldom spoke at the meal table, he did not hear him say anything when he saw him lying on his bed on Tuesday morning. 

Dr. David O'Donoghue, being sworn, said he was a legally qualified medical practitioner. On Tuesday morning about seven o'clock, he was called to see the deceased at the Royal George Hotel. He found him suffering from severe convulsions and tetanic spasms. The deceased was able to speak, and in order to release him from pain, he, (witness), administered chloroform. He foung a paper containing strychnine in the room, but did not ask deceased whether he had taken poison. From the peculiarity of the symptoms, he imagined the deceased had done so. The paper found in the room contained about a quarter of an ounce of strychnine. The packet had evidently been opened. Deceased did not say that he had taken poison in his (witness's) hearing, but he heard from other parties that deceased had said so. He had since chemically examined the contents of the parcel, and found it to be strychnine. He had no doubt that death was caused by poison. In reply to a witness said he had never seen anyone suffering from strychnine before, but was well acquainted with the symptoms of that poison. He administered chloroform to allay pain, as he never had any hopes of the deceased's recovery. He believed the poison had been in his system so long (about an hour and half) that could not be counteracted by any antidote. He could not say in what way deceased took the poison; he might have taken it in a dry state. He considered three grains of strychnine sufficient to cause death. 

Thomas Trumbell deposed that be was a run holder, living at Otarie, Mataura East. He and the deceased were fellow lodgers at the Royal George Hotel, and he had conversed with deceased. On Sunday or Monday, in the course of other matters, the deceased told him that he was a Surgeon, and had came from Victoria, where practiced his profession on the diggings. Deceased said he had made a good deal of money, and retired on an independence, but had afterwards failed in his object. On Tuesday morning, 24thj inst., he heard a heavy breathing and moaning in deceased's room, and, shortly afterwards, one of the lodgers went to the door, and deceased requested him to open it. He then went himself into the deceased's room, and heard him call for hot brandy, which was procured him, but he was unable to take it, his jaws being clenched. Witness endeavored to force his teeth open with handle of a teaspoon; but although he believes a drop or two went in his mouth, he could succeed in opening his mouth. He then noticed in the room, the packet produced. Deceased asked, in the presence of witness, what he been doing with strychnine, and he replied that he had taken ten grains of it. On being asked why he did so, he replied that he was tired of his life. The doctor then came, and administered an emetic, and afterwards a dose of chloroform. The deceased was, according to his own wish, he believed, removed to the hospital. By the Coroner: I should think about half an hour elapsed from time I heard deceased breathing hard and his removal. I was in and out of the room during the whole time. Deceased was clearly able to speak when he asked for brandy, but when the witness brought it up he was unable to open his mouth, his teeth being clenched.

Wm. Caroth, boots at the George Hotel, deposed that he saw the deceased when he was dying. He told witness that he had taken sufficient strychnine to kill two strong men, but his constitution was so strong that it had no effect on him. Witness asked him why he had done so, and he replied that he had spent his last penny, and that he should not be missed in society, and he thought it was time for him to go to his last home. Witness accompanied the deceased to the hospital, and on his way there he begged that the dray might crash and that he might die, as he knew nobody could do him any good in this world. When they arrived at the hospital the dray stopped within the gates of that institution. Immediately on arrival at the hospital, witness presented a certificate which he had received from Dr O'Donoghue the assistant house surgeon, who sent for other assistants, and after some delay the house surgeon came out and pronounced the deceased dead, and refused to admit him into the hospital. He then took deceased back to the hotel, (text missing) previously begged them to keep him at the hospital as he thought the deceased was not dead at the time. The deceased did not show any sign of life on the way back. At least eight minutes elapsed before either of the officials at the hospital saw the deceased. 

John Worrell Hinds, billiard marker, at the Royal George Hotel, corroborated the evidence of the former witness, adding that he had been required to take Dr. O'Donoghue's certificate to the Hospital. On arriving there he gave the certificate to Dr. Yates, who ordered the deceased to be admitted immediately. He afterwards told the wardsmen to take deceased out of the dray but before doing so, he sent for Mr Drysdale, who said when he came, that the deceased was dead and that it was useless to admit a dead man. Some minutes delay took place before he could see Dr. Yates, owing to the fact he could not find anyone to take a message to him. The front door was locked, and he knocked but could not make anybody hear. 

Dr Yates carefully examined the deceased and tried to make him drink before he pronounced him dead. 

This being the whole of the evidence, the jury retired to consider their verdict, and after an absence of about two hours, came to a verdict: "that the deceased died from the effects of strychnine, administered by his own band while in a state of temporary insanity."  -Southland Times, 31/3/1863.

Dr John Green lies in an unmarked grave in Dunedin's Southern Cemetery.

John Morrow Campbell, DSc, FGS, (12/1865-25/4/1930). "medallist in botany"

OBITUARY.

JOHN M. CAMPBELL. 

News has been received by cable of the death, at Rangoon Hospital, on Friday, April 25, from black water fever, of John Morrow Campbell, B.Sc., one of the earliest pupils of the Timaru High School. Born near Woodbury in December 1865, John M. Campbell’s education began there. In 1878 the family removed to Timaru, where deceased attended the Main School, and then the High School, passing Matriculation with the first High School group, who had to sit at Dunedin for the examination. His prizes won at sports and studies included a silver cup. Going “Home” in 1883, he became a student at Glasgow University, later being a medallist in botany, and a Donaldson scholar, gaining the degree of B.Sc. For a time he was an assistant in chemistry at the Glasgow College of Science and Art, then he went with a mining expedition to Persia, and for his map of the territory was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. The Gold Coast (West Africa) saw many years service, not only seeking gold, but constructing railways for transport of huge mahogany logs, also suitable dwellings, and store-houses, nursing others who took the dreaded fever, even acting as a lay reader in the last rites of at least one case. Though several times stricken with malaria, and twice with black-water symptoms, a good constitution and change of air pulled him through. America saw him work for a short time, also Australia, but since early in the war years his work has been in Lower Burma, latterly among the Mergui Islands. His thesis on Laterite, written in 1917, brought him the D. degree (Glasgow). Over a year and a-half ago he made good recovery from a serious operation at Rangoon, being afterwards much improved. He leaves a widow and daughter in London, England, son (Toronto), also two sisters in New Zealand, Miss Eliza Campbell, M.A., Auckland, and Mrs E. J. Lawry, Invercargill, to mourn their loss.  -Timaru Herald, 7/5/1930.

Timaru Cemetery.

Reuben Harris, (1885-9/10/1923). "a pain in his side"

Found Dead in Bed. 

Reuben Harris, a single man, aged 38, a slaughterman by occupation, was found dead in his bed at his residence, 48 Grey road, Timaru, at 12.30 p,m. yesterday. A friend of deceased, J. Shaw, had called on him on Sunday last and deceased complained of a pain in his right lung. He called again yesterday and found Harris dead.   -Press, 10/10/1923.

INQUEST.

LATE REUBEN HARRIS. 

The inquest touching the death of the late Reuben Harris, who was found dead in his home, 48 Grey Road, on Tuesday, was held yesterday before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., District Coroner.  Senior Sergeant Fahey conducted the inquiry.

John Harris, dairyman, the deceased, gave evidence of identification. Deceased was 38 years of age, and single. Witness formerly resided in  Grey Road with his mother and brother, but leftthere three weeks ago. He last saw his brother alive on Saturday afternoon last, when he appeared to he in his usual health. Deceased occasionally complained of a pain across his chest, but he was never laid up with it. Witness had not known his brother to be attended by a doctor.

John Shore, carrier, Timaru said that he knew deceased, and last saw him alive on Sunday last at 10.30 am., at his home in Grey Road. Harris was then in bed, and said he was not feeling very well. He said he felt a pain in his side in breathing. Witness suggested getting a doctor but deceased said he did not wish a doctor. Witness then suggested deceased going to the Hospital, but the latter also declined that offer. Harris thought he would be all right in a little time. Witness went in to deceased's home on Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. to see if he was all right, and on opening the door and calling out to Harris he received no reply. Witness then went into deceased's bedroom and saw that Harris was dead. Witness went outside and met one or two friends who confirmed his statement that Harris was dead. Witness then summoned the police. 

W. S. Rainbow, porter, Old Bank Hotel, gave evidence as to visiting deceased on Monday night. Harris then complained of pains across his chest on breathing. Deceased asked for some brandy, which witness gave him, and also cigarettes. Witness left deceased at 8.15 p.m. 

Dr G. E. Gabites gave evidence as to carrying out a post mortem examination of the body. The body was that of a well-nourished, apparently healthy man. There were no external marks of violence. There was some excoriation about the nostrils. The heart was the organ chiefly concerned in the death. It was somewhat enlarged and distended with blood. There was a large clot of blood partially blocking the pulmonary artery. The heart muscles were healthy, with patches of degeneration in the aorta. The right lung was very markedly congested, the left being similarly affected but to a less extent. The liver was enlarged. The other organs were healthy, with the exception of the blood-vessels of the brain, which were slightly congested though not diseased. Death was due to syncope supervening on a large pulmonary embolism. 

Constable Munro gave evidence as to finding the body and having it removed to the morgue.

The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.  -Timaru Herald, 12/10/1923.

Timaru Cemetery.

Therersa Meade, (1875-13/7/1909). "frightened to be by herself"

 HUMAN SKELETON FOUND.

A man walking along the beach at Tomahawk at 5 o’clock on Saturday evening came across the remains of a dead body partially covered with sand lying near high water mark. There were no signs of any clothing. The remains were examined by Dr Gordon MacDonald who is of the opinion the skeleton is that of a female about 30 years of age and about 5ft 5in or 5ft 6in in height. The police are of opinion that the body is that of Theresa Meade who disappeared from her home in South Dunedin on the 13th July last. The missing woman was 34 years of age, of stoutish build and 5ft 6in or 5ft 7in in height. Her clothing was found at Tomahawk not far from where the skeleton was discovered. Before her disappearance the missing woman was known to be in ill-health.  -Dunstan Times, 21/6/1909.

THE TOMAHAWK SKELETON.

THE INQUEST. 

The inquest on the skeleton found at Tomahawk Beach on Saturday night by Mr E. F. Roberts was held yesterday afternoon in the Magistrate's Court, before Mr C. C. Graham, coroner. 

Constable Kings, stationed at Anderson's Bay, stated that in July last Theresa Meade was reported as missing from her home, and some clothes wore subsequently found on the beach. The clothes were identified as having belonged to the missing woman.

Dr Gordon Macdonald testified as to having examined the remains, which consisted of the trunk and upper limbs. The body was in such a state of putrefaction as would occur in a body being dead for eight or 12 months, the degree of putrefaction being governed by external circumstances. He believed the body was that of an adult female of about 30 yeans of age. There were no bones broken, and this, with the circumstances under which the remains were found, pointed to drowning as being the cause of death. The little finger of the right hand was bent. Two of the central incisor teeth were absent, but the root of the third was present. These must have been present just recently and appeared to have dropped out. Dr Fulton said that Miss Meade had two unusually large incisor teeth, and Dr Macdonald stated that the sockets of the teeth were such as to indicate very large teeth. 

Dr Fulton said that in May, June, and July, 1908, he attended Miss Meade, who was suffering many nervous symptoms, but there was no organic disease of any kind. Shortly before she disappeared she became very despondent and melancholic, and told him on a number of occasions that she was frightened to be by herself either night or day, because she was afraid she would put an end to herself. He considered she was on the borderland of insanity, and he told her relatives, Sergeant Conn, of South Dunedin, and one of her spiritual advisers, that she should be taken care of. He advised that she should be sent to a mental hospital, but that was not done. He was not the least surprised when he heard she had disappeared. 

Witness, in response to a question by Dr Macdonald, said he thought Miss Meade's hands were shut, but he could not say for certain. She was very stoutly built for her age. and full chested. 

Dr Macdonald said the skeleton was full chested and that the hands were long and thin, while the nails were very long and tapering — a characteristic of a woman's hand. 

Chas. S. Meade, contractor, residing at Musselburgh, said that by the circumstance of the case he would consider that the body found was that of his sister. He had seen the body at the Morgue and noticed that the two big teeth were missing. The hands were long-shaped, and as far as he could remember were similar to sisters.' The contortion of the little finger was not such as he remembered. She was a single woman, and would be about 34 at the time of her disappearance. She had been ailing for some time, as described by Dr Fulton. She had not been living in the same house as himself. He was talking to her on the Monday before her disappearance, and she seemed perfectly sane then. He was not told directly of Dr Fulton's advice, but heard of it indirectly. When he saw her she was reading a book, and said in response to his inquiry that she was not so bad, but had a bit of a pain in the head. He then advised her to put away the book. He heard she was missing that evening, after he came home from work. He saw the clothes found on the beach the next evening, and identified them as the property of his sister. 

The Coronor said that, taking all things into consideration, there could be but little doubt in anybody's mind as to the body found being that of Theresa Meade. The finding of the clothes indicated that the act had been meditated. As to her condition, they had the evidence of Dr Fulton. It was a pity that no steps had been taken to send her to a mental hospital, but probably the relatives had acted in the way they deemed best, and no blame attached to them. He would record the verdict, "That the cause of death was drowning when in a temporary state of insanity."  -Otago Daily Times, 22/6/1909.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Hector William Percival Cox, (1881-24/11/1915). "very popular in business"

FATAL COLLISION.

[Per Press Association.] TIMARU, November 24

Hector Cox, local manager for Messrs Cook, McDonald and Co., who was riding a motor-cycle, and J. W. Grant, a Mackenzie runholder, in a car, met in a head-on collision in the dust raised by another car on the road to Pleasant Point this afternoon. Mr Cox’s skull and arm were fractured, and he died in the hospital to-night. Mr Grant’s injuries are not properly known here. 

Mr Cox came from Palmerston North. He was very popular in business and on the cricket field. He leaves a wife and six young children.  -Lyttelton Times, 25/11/1915.

FATALITY TO FORMER PALMERSTONIAN.

MR HECTOR COX KILLED IN MOTOR COLLISION. 

(Per Press Association.) TIMARU, Nov. 24. 

Hector Cox, local manager of Booth Macdonald and Co., riding a motor cycle, and J. W. Grant, a Mackenzie run owner, in a car, met in a head on collision in dust raised by another car on the road to Pleasant Point this afternoon. Cox's skull and arm were fractured, and he died in the hospital to-night. Grant s injuries are not properly known here. The late Mr Cox came from Palmerston North and was very popular in business and the cricket field. He leaves a wife and six young children. 

The late Mr Cox was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. L. Cox, formerly of Palmerston, and now of Blenheim. He spent his boyhood here, going to College street school, and later taking up a position in town. He had many friends in Palmerston and took a great interest in sport, especially cricket. The late Mr Cox was a member of one of the South African contingents. Of later years he had been living in the South Island. The deepest sympathy of their friends will be extended to the bereaved wife, parents and family in the sad circumstances.  -Manawatu Standard, 25/11/1915.

At the funeral of the late Mr Hector Cox on Sunday, Bugler J. Wilds, S.C.M.R., sounded the "Last Post." He was assisted by a South School cadet.  -Timaru Herald, 30/11/1915.

THE MOTOR FATALITY.

INQUEST ON H. W. P. COX.

FURTHER EVIDENCE.

OPEN VERDICT RETURNED.

The adjourned inquest on the late H. W. P. Cox who was killed on November 24, as the result of a collision between his motor cycle and a car was concluded on Saturday before Mr G. Day, district coroner. 

The inquiry was conducted by Senior-Sergeant King. Mr W. T. Campbell appeared for the dependents of the deceased. Mr F. L. Rolleston, in the interests of Mr J. W. Grant, and Mr J. H. Inglis on behalf of Booth, McDonald and Co. The statements of four more witnesses were taken, and an open verdict returned. Mr J. W. Grant did not give evidence. 

Dr. P. Ewen, of the Timaru Hospital, deposed that on November 24 deceased was brought to the Timaru hospital after he had been attended by Dr Urich. He was admitted to the hospital about 3.40 p.m., in an unconscious condition, and suffering from a. compound fracture of the right thigh, and numerous deep lacerations about the face, scalp, and body. Witness could not detect any fracture in the skull, as deceased was bleeding profusely, though possibly the base of the skull might have been fractured. He gradually sank and died at 9.30 p.m. the same evening. Death was the result of the injuries received, and the shock subsequent upon them.

John Hog, shopman for R. A. Rodgers, Timaru, said that on the date in question he was on the Pleasant Point road near the racecourse about 2.45 p.m. He saw the capsized car on the road lying on the left side of the road going towards Pleasant Point. Witness saw deceased lying on the side track a few feet from the car. He was lying on the Point, side of the ear. There were then present Messrs Wilson, Stevenson, Maze and Mr Grant, the driver of the car. Witness examined the road for wheel marks, and found the tracks of the motor cycle on the proper side, on the worn part of the metal road. The tracks of the motor car were on the righthand side (the wrong side) of the worn part of the metal road coming into town. He considered that the motor cycle struck the car between the bonnet and the right front wheel. By the skidding shown on the tracks of the car, the brakes had evidently been applied to the car when the cycle struck it. The skidding showed for 30 feet or maybe less. After the motor cycle struck the car it seemed to have been dragged back, and when the motor car came away from the cycle it swung away to the fence, and overturned. There was a speedometer on the car, and it registered 40 miles per hour at some part of the journey. Both wheel tracks of the car were very plain, but the wheel tracks of the cycle were not so distinct. After Constable Murphy arrived witness told him about the speedometer. 

To Mr Rolleston: Witness had not heard that the speedometer was not in working order. It did not follow that the speed shown on the meter had been kept up the whole way. The speed indicated might possibly have been the speed registered on another journey. The motor cycle was 8 or 10 feet from the car. He followed the car tracks for about a chain, and could see them beyond that distance. The skidding marks of the right wheel of the car began not more than a foot from the edge of the worn metal part of the road. After the first skid the car wont towards the centre of the road. As far as witness could see there were no marks of the motor cycle having been dragged along outside the skidding marks of the right wheel of tire car. The cycle was lying on the side track not on the metal part of the road. 

Constable Murphy, of Waimataitai stated that on November 24 he went to the racecourse about 4.30 p.m., and saw the wrecked car on the south side of the Point road. The bonnet of the car was pointing north-west, and in was about. 4ft from the hedge. The cycle was 33ft from the car in the direction of Pleasant Point, and 10ft, from the hedge on the south side. On the south side of the road there was a grass track 7ft. wide, a clay track 11 1/2 ft wide, a strip of grass 2ft wide, then there was the worn metal road 12ft. wide, and loose shingle 18ft wide, then a hard gravel track 3ft wide, and a grass track 8ft to the fence on the other side, the whole width of the road being 62 ft. About 54ft from where the motor cycle was lying, and towards Pleasant Point, witness found some glass on the edge of the worn metal road on the south side, and this glass corresponded with that in the cycle lamp. The distance from the fence on the south side to where the glass was found was 22ft. Owing to the lapse of time and traffic on the road witness was unable to trace any wheel marks of the car and cycle. Deceased had been removed before witness arrived. The left back tyre of the car was punctured. 

To Mr Rolleston: When witness arrived Messrs Wilson, Stevenson, Hogg and Bockaert's men were there. 

To Senior Sergeant King: The motor ear was badly damaged on the off side, and the bonnet was badly smashed. The front part of the motor cycle was completely wrecked. Witness could not say whether the axle of the car was broken. 

Mr Rolleston said that Mr Grant was not in a fit state to undergo a rigorous examination, and claimed privilege on his behalf. 

The Coroner said that if Mr Grant were called as a witness he (the Coroner) would warn him that he need not answer any questions. On the evidence already given he was satisfied further proceedings in the matter would ensue, and he would refrain from commenting on the evidence, or expressing any opinion touching on the facts stated. The evidence before him was sufficient for him to return a verdict.

The Coroner returned the following verdict — "That Hector William Percival Cox, on November 24, 1915, whilst riding a motor cycle on the Pleasant Point road near the Timaru racecourse came violently into collision with a motor car driven by James William Grant by reason whereof Cox sustained grievous and severe injuries to his head and right thigh, and from which injuries he died on November 24, 1915."  -Timaru Herald, 6/12/1915.

Timaru Cemetery.