MYSTERIOUS DEATH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3151, 31 March 1909, Page 5

MYSTERIOUS DEATH.

By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, March 30.

The inquest concerning the death of Andrew Douglas Hardie, 70 years of age, whose body was found lying outside a cottage near Dudley Creek, last Sunday week, was resumed this afternoon by Mr H. W. Bishop,"District Coroner, and a jury. When the inquest opened last week, medical evidence was given to the effect that the old man's spine had been dislocated, eight ribs in the right side of the body had been broken, and had penetrated the lungs. The injuries might have been caused by a blow on the side, and might have been caused by a motor car striking the man's back and side. There were no external marks and if he was struck by a car it was possible there would be no marks, because death followed so quickly after the blow. The man would not have been able to walk from the scene of the accident place where the body was found, a distance of fifteen yards. He was absolutely incapable of stooping, and therefore could not place the kit under his head. The inquest was adjourned till further inquiries had been made by the police. To-day the driver and occupants of the ta*i-cab who passed the locality on the night the man was found stated that they neither saw the man nor felt a shock. An open verdict was returned.