ALLEGATIONS AT INQUEST.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1828, 14 August 1913, Page 7

ALLEGATIONS AT INQUEST.

SCUFFLE OR ACCIDENT? (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Gisborne, August 13. A Gislxu'ne paper's correspondent nl Wairoa reports that somewhat seilfolional developments marked nil inquest held at Wairoa into the ejreumstances surrounding the death of Joseph Brown, who was killed last week through falling ove'f a cliff at Jhiakituri. A great dral of evidence was heard (occupying fourteen hours) and finally the inquiry was adjourned till Thursday, after the foreman of the jury had stated that a rumour was in circulation that a scuffle had taken place ou the cliff, and the jury vtsiied to investigate and examine three further witnesses.

Dr. John Miller gave evidence that the injuries to the dead man coiifislcil of abrasions on the nose, mouth, and breast, nml a dislocated neck. The bruises might have been caused by a blow, but he would not say that they were due to foul play. — Boylian, who was a passenger with his wife in the conveyanea driven bv defeased at tho time of the fatality, stated that, as soon as the driver left (ho Valley Rood and went on to tho pack track, till- conveyance bumped over several big boulders, and 1 witness and his wif6 were thrown out. The driver went on for six or seven yards, but could not then go any further. Hill, the driver, lumped down, and stood dazed looking at tho vehicle, but making no attempt to take out the horses. Boylian took out the horses which then ran up tho bank, and deceased ran to head them. Deceased punched one of the horses and the animal swerved roi'nrl, but did net kick. Deceased fell backward over the bank, head downwards. Boylian seized rtecenspd by llie trouser leg <mul held'him l'or fifteen" minutes, ii.ud witness's wife for atiotlur two minutes. Deceased novsr spoke, but every moment he was dipping further down the bank, and eventually tliey hail to let ;;o, and tho body fell into His bed of the river. Boyhan admitted that lie was muddled wiiili drink at tho time.

Mrs. Boylian gum corroborative evidence. but denied that deceased was drunk

Evidence was given of t.lie finding of tho body by A. .1, Galbraith. Witness was of opinion that if would ha-vo been powible to support tho dewascd when he w>as hanging over the cliff, although heV.as 13st. in weiglit, hut a. luau would nwd all his (faculties to do so, and Boylian seemed dazcd with drink.

J. IF. Clayton gave* evidence as to the party having liquor with tilieni. While tho witness wns signing his depositions I!he foreman of the jury said that it at,Ruakitim ihat and Bovhaii had had <i s'otifTle.

The jury determined to cMPthree more witness??, and the was adjoua-ncd.