A REPLY TO “VINDEX.”

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 118, 18 October 1873, Page 3

A REPLY TO “VINDEX.”

TO THIS EDITOK. Siu,-—-In reply lo l ’ Viudox,” 1 may state that the Precept for summoning a jury is directed to the constable or constables acting iu the neighbour* hood where the body is. Tho names of the jurymen arc supposed to be taken in order amongst the available population, although this ia not laid down in the Coroner's Act. The police had orders from mo to summon none but disinterested persons, and X hoi ;e ve t hat a more impartial jury could not havo been found. Dr, Armitage's evidence was to the effect that ho at first thought the patient to bo suffering from an affection of tho brain ; but that, on other symptoms afterwards supervening, ho concluded that it was a case of continued fever, and that the immediate cause of death was typhoid fever. At the proclamation for opening tho Court nil manner of persons having anything to do before tho Coroner are invited to draw near and give their attendance. But, notwithstanding, tho inquest would have been adjourned and further evidence taken had not the jury, through their foreman, intimated that sufficient evidence had already boon brought before thorn to enable them to conic to a verdict. As to tho threat by “ Yindex ” of other proceedings being taken, I treat it with contempt, tho proceedings of the inquest having been carefully conducted throughout in strict accordance with tho Coroner’s Act. As it is no part of tho duties of u Coroner to reply to anonymous letters in the papers, 1 tdiah take no notice of any that may appear after this.—l am, &c., Alex. Tovet, Coroner, Taurango, October 15, 1873.