LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 87, 6 February 1863, Page 3

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

We have much pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers, and of the public generally to the advertisement of Mr. Worgau’s concert, which will be found in another column. Mr. Worgan’s talents as a pianist are too well known to need any comment from us to heighten the appreciation of them, and we anticipate that those lovers of good music who attend to hear that gentleman play will find that the pleasure which they will therefrom derive far exceeds their expectations. We sincerely trust that this attempt by a first-rate artiste to revive amongst us a love of music will meet with great success, and that those gentlemen who kindly volunteer to assist Mr. Worgan will discover that their talents were never before shown with so much brilliancy as when in conjunction with such a performer.

Earthquakes.— Two shocks were felt in town this week, both early in the morning. The first occurred at 3 - 10 a.m., on Tuesday last, and the second at 7 - 15 a.m. on the following morning, Wednesday. Death of Mr. H. Fleetwood, the Pianist. —An inquest was held at the Exchange Hotel, Havelock, yesterday, before T. Hitchings, Esq., coroner, and a jury, on the body of Mr. H. Fleetwood, the able performer at Mr. Thatcher’s concerts in Napier, who was found dead in a swamp near Havelock on Wednesday last. The following is the evidence :

Thomas Stuart, being sworn deposed : — I am living at Havelock, a labourer. I first saw deceased about the 20th of January at Havelock. I last saw him at Mr. Forsters station about the 21st. I don’t think he was sober. I left him there. I and he walked together from Havelock to within a mile of Foster’s station. He did not seem able to go on and we camped out. He was not sober either day. He drank himself from a small bottle. 1 drank from my own. I think the contents of his bottle was either brandy or rum. We left Reynolds, about 5’30 p.m. I had previously drank with him at Bray’s Hotel. I left him at the Shepherd’s house soon after sunrise.

Thomas Jenkins : I am shepherd for Mr. Forster I remember the deceased coming to my whare about 7 a.m. this day fortnight. I went to breakfast at Mr. Forster’s. He refused to go with me, but turned over the hill towards the Gorge. After breakfast, I went and spoke to him. Ho was lying down about a quarter of a mile from Mr. Forster’s house. He got up, after again refusing to go to Mr. Forster’s, and went with me to the Gorge, He then again laid down ; it was then 8-30 a.m. I saw nothing more of him that day. I next saw him about 7 a.m. next day. He was with Mr. Forster, going towards the house. I did not see him again until evening. He was then in the house. He appeared a good deal better. He slept at Mr. Forster’s two nights The last time I saw him was on Saturday week last at 6 o’clock. He was walking fast towards Havelock.

Egbert Forster, being sworn, deposed : I am a sheep-farmer. I first saw deceased this day fortnight lying at the Gorge, between seven and eight a.m. He said he was very poorly ; had slept out two nights : and was on his way to Mr. Couper’s. He returned with me to my house ; on the way ho was vomiting a good deal. He was pffered some tea, which he rejected. Ho remained at my house until Saturday, the 24th January. He left on that day for Havelock. He ate nothing during his stay with me but a small piece of biscuit. His vomiting ceased the first night. He seemed very uneasy the last night, wandering a good deal. I don’t think bo was sound-minded when he left me. Ho asked for grog that morning, which I refused. He complained of seeing visions. He tallied a good deal, and incoherently. Francis 'William Parker :—I live in the employ of Captain Marsh. Yesterday evening (6 a.m.) I was driving the cows through a swamp. I suddenly smelt a bad smell. On searching I came against a dead man ; he was lying on his back with one hand across his chest. He was black, and very decomposed : he was not recognizable.* I told Mr. Corbyn and my master, both of whom immediately Went.

James Horne : — I live with Mr. Eeynolds, Havelock. I knew deceased. I identify the clothing. He told me lie had bis tuning instruments with him, which have been since found in his pockets. His card-case, containing his name was also found. There is no possible doubt that Jhe deceased was Mr. Fleetwood, who played for Mr. Thatcher. This being the whole of the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of—“ Found Dead.”