INQUEST.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2030, 26 August 1880, Page 3

INQUEST.

An inquest was. held at Douglas’ Castle Hill Hotel, on Tuesday the 24th inafc., before Mr J. D. Bays, J.P., upon the body of William Henry Izon, who was drowned while attempting to ford the Broken river, West Coast road, on the afternoon cf Saturday, the 21st inst. Mr Edward Daves was chosen foreman of the jury. James Newcomen, coach proprietor, of New Brighton, deposed to tho identification of the body of Izon, whom he had known for tho last eighteen months. Deceased was going with him for a trip to Hokitika, to see the country. Last saw him alive on Saturday afternoon. He then said he was going to have a look at tho river, which was stopping the coaches. Deceased went away about 3 p.m. Ho was a splendid swimmer, and was quite sober. Andrew Duncan McPherson, a follow passenger with deceased, deposed to accompanying him at his own request to the river. On getting there Izon said that there was nothing to prevent the coaches crossing. He said that he would ford it, and come back and let them see ho could do it. He tried to persuade deceased from attempting it, telling him that the rivers were dangerous and treacherous, but without effect. Deceased threw off his mackintosh coat and cap and wont in. He took a few paces and staggered. Witness called out to him to take care. He then recovered himself, and started forward again. The water was rushing up to his hips, and as soon as he started ho was swept away. Witness ran down below, and into the water, and tried to catch him as he was swept down, but the current carried him just out of reach. Saw his head and then his feet, and then he totally disappeared. Searched for him without success for a short time, and then wont and gave tho alarm. Deceased was quite sober, Tho river was in heavy flood. Witness was used to crossing rivers oa horseback, but not on foot. Would not have attempted to cross on horseback unless under extremely urgent circumstances. Henry Farrow, shepherd at Castle Hill, deposed to finding the body about a mile and a half down the river on 1 Sunday, and to assisting Constable Haddroll to remove the body to the hotel. The jury, after consultation, returned a verdiotof “ Accidental Death, while'attempt ing to ford tho Broken River while flooded,” and also attached a rider that it was desirable that light bridges for foot traffic should bo placed over this and similar streams on the West Coast road. Wo are informed that McPherson showed considerable pluck in his attempt to rescue Izon, but the strength of the current and steepness of the banks below the scene of tho accident rendered any further attempt impossible.