INQUEST.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 185, 20 September 1872, Page 6

INQUEST.

An inquest was held on Friday evening last, at the Royal Mail Hotel, Hyde, before H. W. Robinson, Esq., Coroner, on view of the body of William Wallace, a miner, who had been killed by a fall of earth in a claim at Fireman's Hill, near Hyde,- on Wednesday evening last, the 11th instant.

The evidence showed that the deceased worked alone in a claim at Fireman's Hill, owned-by Messrs. Kelly and Teviotdale. He was seen by Mr. M. §'. Duffy on the claim at about four o'clock in the day. At night he did not return to the Royal Mai! Hotel, where he boarded and lodged. The landlord (Mr. O'Neill) became anxious, and went to enquire about him of Mr. Teviotdale. This was about eleven o'clock at night, and Mr. Teviotdale, with Mr.

.O'Neill and Mr.-Duffy, went to the claim. They found that there was a fall of earth in the claim, and a hose with water playing on the face near it. They coo-eyed and searched about, but could find no trace of Wallace. Early next morning Mr. Duffy, with Mr. Teviotdale and another, went to the claimagain. Duffy proceeded to play the water onto the fall of earth, and soon disclosed the foot of a gum boot. He called the others, and left them to extricate the body, while he went into the township for more help and a sti-etcher.. On uncovering the body it was | found that the unfortunate man must have [been struck down when trying to make his escape. The body was. face downwards, with the head upon some stones, .which had caused dee|3 indentations on the forehead. It was evident that death was instantaneous. ,

A verdict of accidental death, in accordance with the evidence, was found by the jury. The deceased was a steady man, but apt to be rather rasn in exposing himself to danger. There was nothing to show that the claim was specially dangerous, but. he .had been warned by Mr. Teviotdale to be very careful, as he was working above. The deceased was about thirtyfive years of age, and a native of County Down, Ireland. He was a single man, with no relatives in this country. It was understood that he had a father and sister at home, and that he died possessed of a considerable sum of mone}^.