INQUEST AT ROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1928, Page 3

INQUEST AT ROSS

Aii inquest was held at the Empire Hotel, Boss, to-day by the District Coroner (.Mr Evans, J.P.) touching the death of Kiehard C'. Woolhouse, who was found drowned in Totara Lagoon. •Sorgt. King conducted the case for the police. Evidence was given by Henry .1. -Mc.M ullan. .Tames Thomson and Con- I stable Power. The evidence disclosed that Mr AVoolhou.se stayed overnight at the Empire Hotel, and left about 3.30 for Takutai to pick tip some cattle. He was a drover for Perry Bros., and had traversed the route frequently. He was sober and in good health and spirits. lie followed the usual route to the sea beach, passing the residence of the witness. Mr J. Thomson, whom lie hailed, and spoke to Thomson's son, stating he would return in the afternoon. That was the last seen of him.

When the nhmn was next day, ‘ Constable Power, Mr Thomson, and i others took part in the search. In the afternoon the drowned horse ridden by the deceased was found in the lagoon, •he horse was saddled and bridled and brought to the shore. Owing to the depth of water in the lagoon, a channel was cut and the water to a considerable quantity let out. Dragging was "] continued from a boat and in the late -J alternoon yesterday the body was re- ( covered. When decased left Hoss he I was wearing gumboots and an oilskin, f When the body was recovered, the s boots and one sock were missing. The f body was found near a snag, and there were marks on the head, a bad bruise r over the right eye, and another at the I ;i

hack of the ear. Rlood had flowed freely. It was surmised from the horse tracks which could he picked lip that deceased essayed one crossing, but returned and attempted another, which was the usual place of crossing at the Lagoon. Apparently the horse had ( j. got off the usual place and must have stumbled over a snag in deep water. I . . p and fell on another snag. ft is suggested the rider was unseated, and in .j. the struggle in tile deep water was I kicked by the horse, stunned and drowned. The watch recovered on the body of deceased had stopped at 8.of) or about half an hour after leaving | Boss. The horse it is believed became entangled in the snag and was so J drowned. The route was quite familiar to de- , ceased who had travelled that way frequently. lie had a quiet horse and j. was used to it. The age of deceased was given as 01, a married man, with three children, the family residing at Evans Creek. The Coroner returned a verdict of “ accidentally drowned while attempting J to ford the Totara Lagoon on horseI hack oh the 10th February. fiergt. King conveyed the thanks ol t Iho police to Mr Thomson and the others who had assisted in the search, and who with local knowledge had rendered such valuable assistance. The funeral will take place at Ross to-morrow forenoon.