INQUEST THIS DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1677, 3 July 1875, Page 3

INQUEST THIS DAY.

An inquest was held this sfternoon at the Freeman's Bay Hotel, before T. M. Philson, Esq., M.D., on the body of Joseph Corea, sometimes called Siva, a seaman on board the cutter Rob Roy, who lost his life yesterday morning in the harboiir by drowning. Mr. George Campbell, foreman. Gerard. John Francis, a man of color,* deposed : I am a seaman on board the cutter Rob Roy, at present anchoredin the stream, off the fireweod wharf. Knew deceased ; bad known, him five months as a seaman on the Bob Roy and formerly of tbe Albion ; he was about forty years of age ; hs was from the Azores ; was a sober man. Last saw bim alive about five o'clock yesterday morning. He and I were the only persons on board. We had dropped anchor on the West ,side of the Breakwater. He told me to go below and tiprn in while he coiled the i oppe on I deck. In about ten minntes after laying down, I saw a schooner yassing the item of the Rob Roy, immediately went on|deck to see what vessel it was, fearing she mighr run foul of our dingey, which was {fastened to the stem floating. Iv. as surprised that I did not see deceased. In looking for him saw his pilot-coat on the companion ; hunted for him until ten minutes past bLx ; got into the dingy and searched round the Breakwater, but could not see him ; went on shore and told the Captain of the circumstance. .

Captain James McGarney and Sergeant Martin gave Bimilar evidence when the jury after a brief consultation returned a verdict of Found Drowned. -