TURAKINA FATALITY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 131, 5 June 1934, Page 4

TURAKINA FATALITY

VERDICT AT THE INQUEST. [ Per Association. ] MARTON, June 4. “It is particularly deplorable when a young man in robust health and cheerful spirits decides to end his life because of a misunderstanding with his sweetheart.” With these words the district coroner (Mr. F. C. Wilson; this morning concluded the inquest into the shooting fatality at Turakina, in which Roy Podjursky, aged 19. was found dead outside the home of his fiancee. In evidence, the girl said that on Thursday night deceased had tea at her father’s home, afterwards conversing at the gate, when he accused her of being friendly with another man, which she denied, finally returning the ring. They talked further and finally kissed good-night, agreeing to discuss the difference next day. In the morning she went for the cows at 6-30 and saw Roy lying near the gate. She thought he was playing a joke, but found that he was dead. A gun was near by and a piece of leather attached to the fence had apparently been tied to the trigger. A note was found on the body addressed to the girl in affectionate terms, saying that he could not leave without wishing her happiness. The coroner’s verdict was that Roy Podjursky, while demented, committed suicide by shooting himself with a shotgun.