VERDICT AT INQUEST ON JOHN HENRY

An inquest on the body of John Henry, the wireless comedian, who was found dead on Monday at his home in Holland Road. W., was held yesterday by the Paddington Coroner. Mr. Ingleby Oddie. A verdict was recorded that he died from coal gas poisoning, and that he killed him-self while of unsound mind.

Sydney Brandon, of Brixton, gave format evidence of identification, and said that the man's correct name was Norman Clapham. He had known him over 15 years as a wireless entertainer and was his manager.

The witness continued:—"I saw him about a week after Miss Gladys Horridge died, about May 2. He told me he was very much in love with Gladys and did not think he would get over it. He was drinking rather heavily. I told him not to be such a fool and to buck up. The B.B.C, were about to recognize him again and eventually he would be a star as he was 15 years ago. That gave him encouragement. That was the last I knew about him."

Asked what sort of pay Clapham had when he was popular, the witness replied: "When popular he used to get about 20 guineas a performance at the B.B.C. He had a lot of money in those days, and then started taking theatres over on shares and lost a lot of money on that. That is when his popularity started to wane—when he went into music-hall work."

Charles Pattinson, of Holland Road, said he lived above Clapham in the flat. Between 7.30 and 8 a.m, on Monday there was a strong smell of gas and he went to investigate. He saw Clapham on the floor. He turned off the gas and opened the window.

A police-constable said there were three pillows on the floor, and Clapham was leaning against the bottom of the gas-stove covered with an eiderdown. A blanket was fixed behind the door.

Dr. William Kirkwood, divisional surgeon, said death was caused by coal-gas poisoning. A police officer produced several letters which had been found.

The CORONER, summing up, said there was no doubt whatever in this case. Norman Clapham, otherwise known as John Henry, had taken his life by coal-gas poisoning, and the description of his life, the evidence, and the letters told why. He had been separated from his wife for many years and had lived with two successive women. The second woman died under rather tragic circumstances a short time ago, and he gave evidence in that court. He swore that the woman with whom he was living was in fact his wife. That was not true. His wife made inquiries and got into touch with him and made efforts to get a maintenance order. That caused a good deal of talk and distressed him. He thought that this publicity would interfere with his work as a public entertainer. But long before his popularity had been waning. He had fallen on evil times and there was no doubt he was in financial trouble.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS

The CORONER read an extract from a letter as follows:—" I have managed to avoid prosecution for false evidence, but I had to face up to it at Somerset House and generally go through it. Brandon said he was putting me in on June 9, but I have heard nothing since. Quite likely I have upset the stern moralists at Broadcasting House."

The Coroner said Clapham went on to speak about his property and Gladys's things, and continued:—"My own relations, who have been suffering from ingrowing Methodist conscience, have ignored my letters, and to-morrow morning I have to meet two summonses."

Extracts from another letter read by the Coroner were:—"Life is not worth living any more. I offered that woman who deserted me 20 years ago an allowance if she would withdraw her claim. She preferred her revenge so I have been shown up all over the country. ... I am going to join my girl. Please bury me with her and put her photo with me. She was good to me and without her life is not worth living. I am sorry to cause everyone trouble, but perhaps I have given a little happiness to others by the wireless. It will only require a few minutes after I turn on the gas. Hello everybody. John Henry. I am going to my girl. Goodbye everyone."

The CORONER then asked if anyone wished to give evidence.

Kay Calvert Clapham said he was a son, aged 23 in August, and lived at Glen Ivers. Sandbrook Lane. Moreton. He said:—" I should like to deny what he says in the letter about mother. For the last six years we have never had a penny out of him. Mother gave him six weeks, and warned him that at the end of that time she would take the matter to court, but he did not write. When he did write it was too late."