DEATH OF A MAORI

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2031, 16 March 1907, Page 2

DEATH OF A MAORI

INQUEST OPENED.

Mr. AV. A. Barton, S.M., District Coroner, opened an inquest at the Hospital yesterday afternoon concerning the dentil of Hohepa AVai-l kore, an oldorly native belonging to AVaerenga-a-hika, who died ns tho result of injuries sustained by a fall from his horse in Gladstone road on Tuesday. Tho following jury was empanelled: Messrs. H. McKay (loreman), C. Fogdcn, >S. Elisor, G. Johnstone, J. Jowors, and F. AlcLcan. Detective Madorn conducted the inquest for the police. Ilimimona Katipn, a native fnimor residing at AVnitoi, gave evidence of identification. Saw deceased alive at 4 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon. Ho was then in the Native Land Court, and was under the influence of liquor. Harry Alexander Clark, livery sta-ble-keeper, stated that when deceased took his horse from his (witness’) stables on Tuesday afternoon about 4.30 o’clock, he had had a drink or two, hut was not drunk. Did not see deceased mount his horse. He had taken tho horse from the stall and mounted without assistance. AVm. Robert Morell, acting night watchman, said he saw deceased lying in Gladstone road about 5 o’clock, He had apparently been thrown from his horse, for a horse with saddle and bridle on was standing a few yards away. AVitli the assistance of a young man, whom he did not know, witness carried deceased to the glass on the side of the road. Left deceased in charge of the young man. Could not get' deceased to speak, and could not ‘tell if ho was sober. AVlien deceased was turned over some liquor ran out of his pocket, but witness did not look to see if deceased had a bottle in his pocket. Did not report the matter to anybody. Came to the conclusion that it was beer that ran out of deceased’s pocket, but took no steps to exactly ascertain what it was.

Detective Maddorn intimated that this was all tho evidence he proposed to call at present. Two witnesses living at Tolaga Bay had to be called, and it was desired to make further enquiries.

The inquest was therefore adjourned till 2 p.m. on Tuesday next.