ONEHUNGA.-CORONER'S INQUEST.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 551, 16 October 1871, Page 2

ONEHUNGA.-CORONER'S INQUEST.

Aw inquiry was held it the Manukau Hole], Ooohungai on Saturday, before Dr. Phil on and a respectable jury, of whom Mr. Gk Vause was chosen foreman, touching the death of John Ferguson.—After viewing the body the jury silso went on the wharf to the spot from which tho accident occurred.—John Bonner deposed to finding the body on Friday last, lying on the mud about 150 yards from the old wharf. lie reported the fact to the police, and assisted to bring the body ashore.— Constable Greeno deposed to assisting the lust witness in getting the body ashore, and also identified it as that of a fireman belonging to the s.s. Wellington, who had been missing since the previous Tuesday, and was supposoJ to have been drowned. Ho was about, fifty years of age, unmarried, and belonged to Catupbelltown, Argleshire.—A Beaman belonging to the Wellington (which has since )<M the port) informed tho constable that he hod met deceased that night, close by the whnrf, intending to go at once on board ; when he returned" himself a few minutes afterwards, one of the watch told him he had hearcU splash and a cry. A cap, known to have been worn by the deceased that night, was picked up on the watermen's steps at the angle of the wharf. Search whs made with the drags for somo hour 3 without success. Deceased's bag, containing clothing and money, with Its wages, amounting to £2 7s. Id., had been piven by Captain Kennedy to Mr. Brewer of H.M. Customs. There are no lamps on the wharf, and on a dark night it is especially dangerous in turning the corner by the stops. About six lives have been lost during the past five years, and some precautions are absolutely required.—Charles Li*kow deposed that he was a barman at the Manukau Hotel. Deceased was in the bar on Tuesday evening. Believed he had some drink, but did not supply him with any. I saw him go out in a few minutes. He was then perfectly sober. - The jury returned a verdict of " Foui.d Drowned," adding, by way of rider, a strong opinion that tho whurf ought to be provided with at. least two sufficient lights, and Suine description of guard at tho angle by t.c steps.- Herald.