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Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 352, 8 March 1861, Page 2

The return of Mr. J. Sharp from the inquiry into the fire and loss of life that occurred at Golden Gully last week, enables us to give the terms of the verdict. Tbe praiseworthy alacrity with which Messrs. Blackett and Sharp proceeded by open boat to Collingwood, by direction of our Provincial authorities, during the accidental absence of all judicial representatives in the district where the sad occurrence took place, has been equalled in the speed used by Mr. Sharp on his return, Mr. Blackett having remained at Collingwood on business unconnected with any further enquiry. The depositions of the witnesses are too voluminous to give in'our present limited space, but we shall in our next give full particulars. The inquest was held at Golden Gully on Monday last, and adjourned next day to Collingwood: the verdict was as follows:—

That the person deceased was found burned on Friday, Jhe Ist day of March instant; but that they have not sufficient evidence before them to show how death was occasioned; that they have every reason to believe that the deceased was James Crooks, but there is no sufficient evidence to prove his identity.