SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1719, 9 April 1913, Page 7

SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE

AT A SOUTHLAND INQUEST. (By Telegraph.'—Press Association ) Invercargill, April 8. Somo sensational evidence was given at an inquest to-day. touching the death of William Hazlett, whose body (with throat cut)'-was found on Mataura Island after the recent floods. ■ • The identity of deceased was established by Ernest Howorth, dentist, who hud in his possession a cast of Hazlctt's teeth which were most peculiarly placed. Medical evidence was given by; Dr. Baird, of Wyndlmm, to the effect that it wus possible that tho wounds in tho throat were self-inflicted.- It. was alsu possible, though not probable, that do ceased could have closed and replaced this kiiifo : in his pocket ufter inflicting the wounds. . • ' Evidence was.also given by Samuel Hazlctt. brother of deceased. The witness said that ho and his brother went to the Mataura River so thai his brother could lmtho his feet which were sore. Witness want to sleep, ami when ho woke up, his brother had jumped into tho river. "Witness jumped in after Him, but could not get him out. He noticed that his brother's throat was cut. After soma days had elapsed witness informed Colin Gcrrard rif the occurrence, and later on, went to tho Christchurch races. Tho deceased had given evidence against Gcrrard in a police ■ Court prosecution. Tho witness (Samuel Ilazletl) was highly excitcd and emotional while giving his j evidence,. ami on one occasion, had to be forcibly removed from tho witness-box by Inspector Norwood and Detective Cainer®n \ Colin Gcrrard gave evidence that Samuel Hazlett told him of his brother's death, but he did not believe his story. Witness had not seen deceased since tho day- of the hearing of his own case. Other evidence went to show tlnit deceased was troubled menially over a threatened prosecution lor perjury ami that he had stated Hint a man was better dead than mixed up in those cases. •Tho.coroner returned a verdict that deceased died of a wound in the throat sclfinilicted when in a state of mental depression.