OTAGO.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 318, 6 November 1860, Page 3

OTAGO.

[From the Wittiest.]

Imquest.—An Inquest was held at the house pf Mr. John Johnstone, farmer, North Taieri, on the body of Wm.Ferguson, labourer, who recently arrived in this colony by the " Honrietta." James Sooeaton, an acquaintance and fellow pas* seoger, stated that debased had been afflicted witU rbeumatiam at home, which inducitf him

to come to New Zealand, in the hope of getting ridof.it., He wasvery low-spirited on. the voyage but, and rheumatiu. On his arrival he heard that this was a very bad climate for rheumatism, which information had afterwards depressed his Spirits. About two weeks since deceased went iato the employment of Mr. Johnstone, and feeling rheumatic pains in his hack and hip, he obtained an embrocation from Dr. Nelson. On Saturday last he became worse, and confined to bed. On Sunday his friend Smeaton visited him; on bidding deceased farewell, the litter said "it is not very likely you will see me again." Smeaton endeavoured to cheer up his drooping spirits by telling him he would soon get rid of his rheumatism. Deceased said, there is more the, matter with me than rheumatism. I have takeu a draught out of the bottle of embrocation, in order to make away with myself, as I am not going to be a burden upon any person. Smeaton then bade him good bye, and went down stairs and informed Mrs. Johnstone of deceased's attempt to destroy himself. Mrs. Johnstone sent up the servant Angu3 Ross to . bring away the bottle of embrocation; he immediately returned, saying deceased wai nearly gone, he was either vomiting blood or something else. Mrs. Johnstoae and Smeaton immediately went up stairs to deceased, who was then dead, with hisi throat cut, and the razor with which he had committed the rash act, lyiug close by. The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict—" That deceased had destroyed himself being at the time perfectly sane." The Coroner therefore ordered him to be buried at night, between the hours of 9 and 12, and his property to be confiscated. Taeanaki Aid Fund.—-The subscriptions to the fund iv Aid of our fellow-oolonists at Taranaki, are coming in well; the amount subscribed up to the present time being JBSOI 14s-. • Knox Church.—A Soiree to commemorate the opening of this Church, the second Presbyterian charge in Duuedin, was held in the Church. Th-mgh the weather was unfavourable, and the roads very unpleasant from the rain which had fallen duriug the day, yet the Church was filled, there being not less, we should think, than from 500 to 600 persons present. The Rev. D. M. Stewart occupied the chair, and having opened the meeting with prayer, he briefly stated sthe circumstances which had occasioned their assembling together, and expressed himself sincerely glad to see so many present. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. Mr. Will, and Messrs. J. M'Glashan, E. B. Cargill, W. Lambert, C. H. Kettle, and S. Smith. A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the Building Committee of Knox Church and Manse for their successful efforts in so good a work. During the evening the proceedings were varied and enlivened by several pieces of sacred music, executed with good taste by an efficient choir, accompanied by a i powerful harmonium, presided at by Mr. Kettle. Altogether, notwithstanding the want felt of that blest beverage, a cup of good tea (which we hope will not be wanting at the next) the Soiree on Thursday evening entirely outshone its predecessors; and all took their departure for their homes highly delighted with the evening's entertainment.