An inquest into the death of Taami Hira Karewa, aged 46, of Te Tuhi. near Te Reinga. which occurred on Monday evening
Mrs Karewa said in evidence that she & her husband lived at Leonard camp, & Karewa was a quarryman employed by Mr Mildon. He was subject to colds in the chest, but apart from that was always in good health. Last Wednesday he complained of a sore chest & in the evening went for a bathe in the river. The following day he was too ill to go to work. That evening he was seen by the district nurse from Frasertown who gave him some medicine.
On Monday. Karewa complained of feeling feverish. That evening he sat in the kitchen & Mr Mildon arrived at 7.30 pm & had a conversation with him. Later he said he would lie down. Shortly afterwards she heard him gasping for breath. He collapsed & died in her arms.