“An inquest was held this morning into the death of AC2 James Howard, aged 19. The Coroner, Mr F. Mitchell presided, and Sergeant J. R. Corston represented the police. Mr W. V. Rout watched proceedings on behalf of the father of the deceased, and Wing Commander A. M. Manhire on behalf of the R.N.Z.A.F., Nelson. The Coroner’s verdict was that James Howard died at Tahunanui, the cause of death being a fractured skull and shattered brain tissue from a bullet wound self-inflicted. Cpl. Raymond W. Thurston, attached to the armoury section, described the finding of the deceased's body in the armoury on the 11th December, with a rifle alongside. Raymond H. Beale, a corporal, said that Howard seemed willing to learn but was unable to grasp instruction and it seemed to worry him. Witness told him not to worry. He noticed that Howard was subject to fits of depression. “

[Extract from: Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 20 December 1943, Page 2]