INQUEST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 680, 5 July 1882, Page 3

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at Quill’s Hotel this afternoon before Dr Trevor, coroner, and a jury of twelve, touching the death . of one Walter Farger, painter, who died suddenly at Seafieid on Monday last. Mr O. Kidd was chosen foreman of the jury. After viewing the body the following evidence was taken : John Moore, sworn, said : I am a farpior living at Obanag Cross, near Sea

field, and brother-in-law of the deceased. Knew the deceased Walter Farger, a painter. He was stopping with Robert Clucaa. Deceased was bi other to Mrs Clncis. Witness was ploughing in a paddock near Clucas’ house about ten o clock on Monday last, when Mrs Clucas came over and said her brother was dead. Had known deceased about six years. Deceased had complained to witness, and said he was suffering from the painter’s colic.” He had been under Dr. Townhend, in Christchurch, for some time. Deceased Jived very happily at bis sister’s house Had known the deceased lo have been ill for fully twelve months past. He had no cough. Witness thought the deceased was a man who could not live long. John Bennington, sworn, said : I am a tailor, residing in Christchurch. Knew deceased, Walter Farger, who had lived with witness about 18 months. Did not know for a certain what was the matter with deceased. Dr Patrick, Dr Robertson, and Dr Townhend, had attended deceased. Dr Patrick said he was suffering from “ painter’s colic.” Deceased left Christchurch for the benefit of his health. He was very ill indeed when he. left, and witness thought ho could hardly recover. He was complaining generally of his bowels being out of order. Thomas Leahy, a duly qualified medical aractitioner, residing in Ashburton, said !ie had heard the evidence, and from what he had gathered from the friends of the deceased and the appearance of the body, he had been led to believe that chronic lead poisoning was the cause of death. A verdict of death from natural causes was returned.