INQUEST UPON THE BODY OF STAINER PEDERSON.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 9 July 1901, Page 2

INQUEST UPON THE BODY OF STAINER PEDERSON.

An inquest was held at the Criterion Hotel this forenoon, before Coroner Urqu- . hart, upt a the body of the late Stainer Pederson, Robert Orr, a fireman on board the Dingadee, stated that on SundaylML along with deceased and others a walk but as far as the Hospital. , On the \ way back they called at the Eecreaflon Hotel at 5 p.m., and had tea but no in. toxicating liquor, then came on to the Imperial corner where witness left him. That was the last witness saw of the de* ceased.

By a Juror; There did not appear to be anything the matter with deceased. Was told he was in the habit of getting up .at nights and going lor walks.

Thomas Cooper, lamp trimmer on Dingadee, left the ship last Sunday afternoon at 8 o’clock. Deceased joined him soon after and they went for a walk to nca,r the hospital. Had tea at the Recreation but no drink. Deceased had two half sovereigns and a shilling, when leaving the ship he showed witness the money. Deceased changed one of the half sovereigns at the Recreatfon to pay for the tea, He should then have 20s. Witness parted with him at the Imperial corner, Deceased up to that time had no liquor, Parted with him there as de* ceased said be was going to stay at the Imperial. Had known deceased to take strange walks at night before. He said he was going to seen friends. By. a Juror ; Have seen him slightly under the influence of drink. Ido not think be could have fallen into the river, as his body would not have been found to the south. Ido not know the set of the current.

David M’Neill a fireman on the Dingadee know deceased. Met him on the evening of Sunday last at the Imperial corner, Went into the Imperial to pay a score. Deceased went in with him, Paid what he owed, and bad a drink which was not paid for. Had two drinks—one when they went in and one afterwards. Mr Wiison called for the first drink. Deceased drank a glass of beer. No one paid for it. Witness then paid bis score and Wilson then shouted again when deceased again had beer. No money was paid, stayed till nine o'clock, when a man named McPherson came in. Witness and McPherson then went on board, and deceased came on board shortly after. Witness and df ceased were quite sober. Deceased did not offer to “shout" while in Wilsons. Did notj say to the Sergeant he was so drunk that he did not recollect. He said he did not remember. Deceased did not remain long on board. By a Juror: Did not know what money deceased had on him. You could never tell when deceased was drunk. William M’Pberson, laborer, went on board thq Dingadee last Sunday afternoon to see LTNeill, and shortly after went ashore with him, going up the wharf. Met Mr Wilson and went up to the Imperial Hotel with him. Stayed there till three o'clock. Had a drink there, Mr Wilson shouting. M’Neill offered to pay, but Wilson would not have it. Witness then went home, returning a<; seven to Wilson's, and there met M'Neill and Pederson. M’Neill then paid an account and Wilson asked them to have a drink. Both M’Neill and deceased had whisky Remained till 9 o'clock. There was only one drink. Witness and M’Neill then loft, saw deceased again. M’Neil was quite able to look after him*.

self. Was t present when the Sergeant was questioning M’Neil, who said he was so drunk that he did not remember. He said he could not remember Do not think be said he was drunk. Think what was said was that M'Neill had no reoollection of what happened, The Sergeant said he could not see how M'Neill could get so mixed up with two drinks, to which M'Neill made no reply. At the police station M'Neill said he was “ mixed up ” which witness took to mean having had drink. By a Juror: The men on board the ship pay when they have a chance. Witness only had two drinks. Was not with M'Neill in the afternoon between three and seven. That was possibly the tims he got “ mixed up." Only saw deceased have one drink. He was then sober. Could see at seven o’clock that M'Neill had had a few drinks.

Robert Ashmore an A.B. on the Dingadoe saw the deceased about ten o'clock on Sunday night opposite Wiokes's new building. Deceased then said he was g nng up to, the cemetery to see a friend. Noticed drink on him but not very bad. Ho was capable of looking after himself. Witness wanted deceased to come on board with him, bat he refused, saying he was quite capable of looking after himself. Witness had not had a single driak that day. Angus M’Phail, donkeyman on the Dingadee, saw deceased on board shortly after nine. There was no sign of drink on him then. He then said he was going to see some friends near the cemetary. Ho was in the habit of doing this, but generally got home before twelve. He was quite right in his head. Had known him for six years. Hs was a married man with one child.

George Boswell gave evidence to finding the body. Informed the police who came down and took body away. Sergeant Shirley went with last witness and got body which was lying about 50 feet from water. All clothes were on except bat. Searched body in presence of Captain and engineer of Dingadee. and found 6/6 in deceased pockets.

This concluded the evidence and after a brief deliberation the jury brought in a verdict of “Found drowned."