THE HARBOR ACCIDENT.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5092, 13 May 1885, Page 2

THE HARBOR ACCIDENT.

The search for the missing bodies of Messrs Kea (2), and James, was renewed at an early hour thia morning, but up to the time of our going to press nothing had been seen of them. Operations were carried on in somewhat the same manner as yesterday, about 40 men putting out from the wharf in boats, and on arriving at the spot, where work was discontinued yesterday, a line was again formed. Although a large amount of ground was traversed, the efforts of the party were unsuccessful, no trace of the unfortunate men being found. All engaged in the search deserve great credit for the untir ing and praiseworthy manner in which they have prosecuted it, and it is the earnest wish of all that their efforts may yet prove successful, and the bereaved families thus relieved of the suspense in which they now are.

Inquest on Mr Colfcoun's Body.

An inquest on the body of the late A. S. Colhouu was held at the All Nations' Hotel this morning, before Dt Kilgour (Coroner) and the fallowing jury:—W, Finlay (foreman), J. Muir, J. Baggott, W. Ord, T. Wells, J. Opie, C. Curtis, !R. Wiseman, C. Kalman, B. Burra, L. Melhose, and T. Henuelly.

The jury having viewed the body, the Coroner took occasion to refer in feeling terms to. the cause which had brought them together, stating that the disaster was not only a sad one to the family, but the community at large. There could be no question as to. the cause of deceased's death, and the enquiry was simply a formal one in compliance with law,

Samuel Stevens, sworn, stated that he was a miner, and identified the body as that of the late A. S. Colhoun. Saw Messrs Eea and Colhoun on the Tararu road about 1.1.30. o'clock on Saturday morning, and they asked, him to accompany them, but ho refused. They were going across to the boat at the time, and Mr Kea had a gun and other articles with him. There was a high wind blowing at the time, and a heavy- sea rolling. Saw no more of either Rea or Colhoun, until he saw the letter's body in the hotel.

B. E. Schofield deposed that he was acting-harbormaster, and knew the late Messrs Colhoun and Rea. About 12.15 on Saturday morning he saw their boat, which was a first-ela^s skiff, passing about 150 yards off the Goods Wharf,. and steering towards the Piako river. She had the jigger sail set, and was manned by four men—three pulling and one steer* ing—but could not distinguish who the men were. . A nor'-nor'-west gale was then blowing, and there was a heavy sea on, but from his knowledge of the boat she was a safe one. He had then to go into his office on business, and saw nothing further of the boat that day. Having beard on Saturday night that an accident had occurred, he got a crew together ready to search on Sunday morning. Early on Sunday morning, while looking out, he noticed a boat turned bottom upwards, about three quarters of a mile from Curtis' Wharf, and with the <

assistance of Messrs Clark and Bruce, towed it to Goods' Wharf. Found two double-barrelled guns and a bos. containing various articles in the bout, which were taken possession of by Constable Herbert.

Chas. Rolton stated that he was a fisherman, and was returning from an expedition shortly before noon yesterday, duriDg which he kept a look-out for the missing men, as he bad heard of the accident, and saw the body of a man lying on his side on the east bank of the Thames liivor, about half covered with water. Noticed the search party further down, andjjhailed them. A constable and two men put off towards him in a boat; and the body was conveyed to the Grahamstown Wharf.

Constable Dunn deposed that he was out with other parties in search of thebodies of the missing men, and about 11.40 yesterday morning Cbas. Rolton attracted his attention, and with It. Dabb and H. Corin he proceeded to him. On arriving where .Rolton was, witness saw a body, which he recognised as that of Colhoua. lying on its right side. Witness and Uorin lifted the body, which showed no marks of violence, into the boat, and had it conveyed to the All Nations' Hotel. The jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of " Accidental drowning."