A SUDDEN DEATH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3283, 31 July 1911, Page 5

A SUDDEN DEATH.

ELDERLY MAN SUCCUMBS TO HEART FAILURE.

A startlingly sudden death occurred at Mafeking boardinghouse yesterday afternoon at half-past 3 o’clock, when Louis Lester, a man of sixty years of age, succumbed to an acute attack of asthma, which produced heart failure. Deceased was well-known in the district, having been employed' for about seven years as station cook at Tangihau by Mr J. R. Murphy. Owing to failing health, he relinquished the situation about last Christmas, and came into town, taking up his residence at the Mafeking boardinghouse, where he continued to reside until his death. His health had been bad for some time past, and became critical on Saturday. Though often advised to seek medical advice, deceased appeared disinclined to do so. Owing to alarming symptoms presenting themselves, the landlady called in Dr. Porter on Sunday morning, who F ound Lester in a most critical state of health, and at once made arrangements for his removal to a private hospital. While he was being dressed for removal, deceased suddenly fell back and expired, death being due to the causes already stated. The police were communicated with and took charge of the deceased’s effects, which will be handed over to the Public Trustee. He lxad a sum of money in a, bank. Mr W. A. Barton, District Coroner, has decided that an inquest -is unnecessary, as the doctor’s certificate states that death was due to natural -causes. The funeral will take place to-day.