AN OLD MAN'S DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1917, Page 7

AN OLD MAN'S DEATH.

CORONER'S VERDICT AT INQUEST. The adjourned inquest, concerning the 'loath of the man Henry Williams, who win found dead at his house in Leach Street on Thursday under somewhat gruesome circumstances, was resumed on Saturday, before Mr. A, Crooke, district coroner. John Black, residing at Fitzroy, said he had known deceased for over fifty years, and lie would be about 75 or 70 years of age Deceased was born in Wales, and was a single man. lie had no relations in New Zealand. Witness last saw de-i ceased alive about two months ago in the street:, of New Plymouth. Previous to that he had seen deceased frequently, lie did not think deceased suffered from any ailment. Arthur Mofflin, of Powdorham Street, deposed that he had known deceased in Taranaki for about .30 years. He last saw him alive about a month ago in the street. Deceased had followed, no occupation for a number of years. He belonged to the Xo. f Company of Military Settlers, and took part in the Maori war. When last seen, deceased seemed in good health. Questioned as to his age he had given it as 77. The coroner said it was impossible to say exactly what was the cause of death. 'Wie man had liven alone, and had been iound dead lyinj>' in a. natural position. There s'tve im suspicious c!» cumsia.ices or evideuefcii ot s.a o.6c;df:i:t. In the. absence of a po«t-inur'i.e;n examination, which, •ior.sideririi; tne state of Ike body he did :-iot feci i-p.lieii wiou to order, it was not .nissibie to state the precise ..ause of uctsi>. lie oonTd not state when deceased had died. He couid only find, -Aat oft the at)th I'ay ot December, 19J7, tfi* cKce&seu va.s .fo.rnd uesul at hb house ia: Leach Street, Yiiai ha had been 'lead from two t>.> iiiiee v/eei;-;, and .i.'iat Ih* eausi of o.vtJi \.?<vj probably :-.cai J : fi-ilyre and old age.