The Man Drowned in Auckland Harbour.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3180, 29 April 1879, Page 3

The Man Drowned in Auckland Harbour.

The following is the report of the inquest upon the body of George Jackson, found in Auckland harbour on Sunday morning by the captain of the schooner Christina :-t" An inquest on the body of George Jackson, was held yesterday at the Freeman's Bay Hotel before Dr Philson and a common jury, of whom John Berril was chosen foreman. After Tie wing, the body the following evidence was taken:—Captain Smith deposed that he was sailing for the port on Sunday lap when, about half-past seven in the morning, he discovered the body of deceased floating. He observed no marks of violence about the body. He could give no explanation as to the cause of death. Henry Wevarthen deposed that he knew deceased' for the lait sixteen years. He was a shipbuilder by trade, but had lately earned a livelihood by fishing and selling firewood. He saw deceased alive on Saturday last, about 9 o'clock p.m. on the Devonport beach. He was drunk at the time, and saying he wonld " not go home till morning." There was no danger of being drowned where he was sitting. He identified the body as that of deceased. Sergeant Martin deposed that he received a report from Captain Smith, stating that he had found a dead body outside Kangitoto Beef, and at once proceeded in the police boat to tHe place, and took charge of the body. He placed it in the deadhouse. He recognised the body as soon as he saw it as that of deceased. He had known him for five years. He was very often drunk. Thomas Hill deposed that deceased came to him on Saturday last for some medicine. He complained of some chest complaint. The medicine would do him no harm.—After considering the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of " Found drowned, without any marks of violence."—Herald.