INQUEST.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 269, 25 October 1884, Page 3

INQUEST.

An inquest as to the cause of the recent death of W. H. Novell was held this morning at the Turanganui Hotel, before J. Booth Esq., Coroner. The following jurymen were sworn:— J. M. Smith, J. G. Henderson, J. Baldwin, J. Brodie, G. Worgan, J. Siddons, C. Priestly, JV. Parnell, H. Lewis, L. G. Diery, J. Maher, J. Finlayson. Mr. J. Baldwin was chosen foreman. A. Ledger deposed that he saw the body in the adjoining house, and recognized it as the cook of the s.s. Rosina. Saw him last Saturday night about a quarter to twelve. Previous to then had been in his company at the Royal Hotel for about two hours. Left the hotel together as far as the next crossing along Gladstone Road. Deceased crossed on to the other side of the road and came in the direction of the river. Deceased was dressed then as he is now, and was not drunk having only had several glasses of b?er. Was in a good humor, and did not mention anything about a quarrel. Doctor H. Pollen deposed that he had examined the body. It was fully dressed and there was a bruise on the left side on the temple, and on the outside of the right thigh. The body was greatly swollen. On examination of the windpipe and lungs found the the usual appearances of death by drowning. Drowning was the cause of death. H. E. Johnston deposed that he was the owner of the Rosina, and employed the deceased as steward of that boat. Saw him last at 5 o’clock on Saturday night, whe.i he gave him some money. He was not married. Witness cautioned deceased about drink, because he had had a sunstroke, and was exceedingly helpless when he got a little in him. J. D. Mackay, master of the Rosina, recognised the body as that of the cook. He thought the disappearance of the deceased very strange, and he enquired about him, but could not find out anything definitely, and concluded he had gone up the country. Saw his body this morning floating up the river with the tide, and brought it ashore. On the Saturday night the Rosina was as close as she could be to the wharf, and it was dead low water. At the request of Sergeant Bullen the inquest was adjourned until Friday next, for the production of further evidence.