Drowned in a Barrel.

Manawatu Herald, 22 March 1894, Page 3

Drowned in a Barrel.

A singular case of violent death occurred at Thorndon on Friday morning, the victim being Mr Fiedk. Jeffrey, of Murphy street, an old Wellington identity, and the owner of several propertied in that locality. Jeffrey, who is between 50 and 60 years of age, and has been ailing for the past fortnight, was missed from his home early in ihe morning. Search was made in the neighbour* hood a> soon as it became daylight, and about 11 o'clock his body was found by his daughter Clara doubled up. and head downwards, in a barrel which had been sunk into the ground in the back yard. Ihe barrel contained only abjut 18 inches of water. Tho deceased was clm'S-u'il in his trousers, w is? coat, and nightshirt, bnfc was without his hoots The body when discovered had been dead for *ome hours, and now lija at the house awaiting an inquest, which will be held to morrow, at 9 a.m. At times during his illness the deceased is said to have appeared queer in bis mind, but whether he fell into the barrel by accident while wandering about the yard, or whether he divid id with the intention of taking hi? life, of course remains an open question. He leaves a widow and family. — Pott.