THE LATE INQUEST AT WAIHAU VALLEY.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 135, 6 July 1880, Page 4

THE LATE INQUEST AT WAIHAU VALLEY.

To the Editok. Sik, —The visit of the Civil Service Commisiioners was a very hurried one, but it would hardly have been out of place if they had asked a question or two of our District Coroner, Mr Samuel Johnson, as to the principle oil which he holds inquests. It is the practice of the Picton Coroner, who is a man of considerable ability and experience, a proposition I cannot advance in the case ofonr local “Coroner.” to band over inquests to the local J.P., if tjierc is one, in order that the cost of mileage and special journeys may be saved to the country. Not so with Mr Samuel Johnson, for be baa lately visited Wairau Valley to sit on the body of an unfortunate man who had recently died, probably of heart disease. The cost of this would at least be £4, when * resident J.l*. could have done the work just as well as the Coroner, and the unnecessary costs would have been saved. Besides, we have the absurdity of the Coroner doing without that accessary professignal assistance which could only, have made his enquiries of any use. It seems a little absurd to quarrel about a paltry £5, but the country cannot afford to have them tin-own away for the self-gratification of the District Coroner or anyone else,—l am, etc., Pno Bono Poblico.