Thomas Westall
Bluff Pioneer Cemetery Devonport
The adjourned inquest into the cause of the death of the late Thomas C, Westall, who was found dead at his residence on the corner of Archer and Forbes Streets, on the evening of Friday, Dec 26, will be held this afternoon. An inquiry was opened before the Coroner (Mr. H. H. McFie), but the evidence taken was of a purely formal nature, to permit of an order for burial of the body. No medical testimony was given, it will be tendered to-day. The evidence already taken showed that deceased was to join his wife and relatives at Westbury and with them was to take a holiday in Hobart. However, he did not arrive as expected and on visiting the house he was found dead in his room.
The Advocate 5th January 1920
The Adjourned Inquiry
Suicide by poisoning
The adjourned inquiry into the death of the late Thomas Coulthard Westall, who was found dead at his residence on the corner of Archer and Forbes Street on Boxing night, was held at the Devonport Police Court before Coroner H. H. McFie yesterday afternoon. Inspector W. Longman represented the Police Department.
The first witness was Dr. J. W. Payne, who deposed that he found deceased lying on the floor, close to the right side of the bed, dead. The body was lying on its left side with the face touching the floor. Blood had been oozing from the mouth and nose and the artificial teeth had been ejected from the mouth. The body was quite cold and rigid. On December 27, assisted by Dr. J. F. M. Payne, he made a post mortem, but after an exhaustive examination nothing was found which would account for the death so far as the organs were concerned. The only clue was a stale peach blossom odor on opening the chest and abdomen. The stomach and its contents, together with a tumbler found in the room, were sent to the Government Analyst (Mr. W. H. Ward). On Saturday last a telegram was received from him stating that cyanide of potassium had been found in both the stomach and tumbler. Later a report was received confirming this wire. Death was therefore due to swallowing cyanide of potassium.
Detective-Sergeant M. A. Summers stated that on the evening of December 26 he received a telephone call from Dr. Payne and visited the residence of deceased in Archer Street. He found the body in the position indicated by the doctor. All doors and windows of the house were securely fastened. The bedroom in which the body was found was not disturbed in any way. By the condition of the bed and bedclothes, it would seem that there was very little struggling before death. The watch and chain, pipe and tobacco pouch and a tumbler were found on the dressing table by the bedside. The watch had stopped at 12.28. he examined deceased’s clothing, finding six shillings and nine pence, also documents, but there was nothing that would account for taking his own life. He had seen a quantity of the poison referred to in the office where deceased was employed at Spreyton, to which he had access. It was used for the extermination of rats. Witness had known deceased for some time and always found him bright and in good spirits. The electric light in deceased’s room was turned off.
Addison Grensville Bowen Keene, of Devonport, manager of the Tasmanian Freehold Investments, Ltd. said deceased had been in the employ of the company for a little over five years as accountant. For some time past he was in charge of the packing business at the Spreyton Cool stores. During the 1918 season rats infested the cool chambers. Various efforts were made to get rid of them, but without success and finally the Government inspectors advised fumigation with cyanide of potassium. The latter was secured on behalf of the company by deceased. There was a quantity unused, which was kept in the office and to which deceased would have access. Deceased had at times complained of his health, having “bad turns.” The last witness knew of was seven or eight weeks ago. It was understood that he had had rheumatic fever, which left his heart in a weak state. His demeanor generally was cheerful. He was last engaged at the company’s office on 23rd December and several had remarked that he was “not looking himself.” Witness could assign no cause whatever why deceased should take his life. He was diligent in regard to business and so far as he knew the accounts of the company were in perfect order. Deceased was not known to witness to be financially embarrassed, but had said he was expecting money from England and also from New Zealand. The latter was from the sale of a farm, in respect of which notification was received that a deposit of Two hundred and sixty pounds had been made. Witness did not think his money had yet come to hand.
The Coroner : What quantity of cyanide of potassium was kept at the office.
Detective-Sergeant Summers: Three large bottles, which were kept in a secure place.
The Coroner found that deceased died from the effects of cyanide of potassium, self-administered. He added the rider that although he did not assume it would have made any difference in this case; he was of opinion that such quantities of a deadly drug should be kept in a proper place.
The Advocate 6th January 1920