DEATH FROM EXCESSIVE DRINKING AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1529, 22 April 1882, Page 2

DEATH FROM EXCESSIVE DRINKING AT TE AWAMUTU.

An inquest on the body of Samuel James, of Te Awamutu, bricklayer, was held at the Court-house, Te Awamutu, on Wednesday, before the coroner, Mr Thomas Gresham. A jury of- thirteen were empannelled, of whom Mr J. W. Bridgman . was foreman. The following witnesses were examined, viz : — Alexander Deally, William P. Ford, Thdmas Walker, Henry Lewis, James Devin and Jane Devin. Medical testimony was given by Dr. Blunden.— It appeared from the evidence that the deceased arrived at Te Awamutu from Kihikihi on Friday last. He was then in a state bordering on - delirium tremens. He was found dead on Wednesday morning at 4 o'clock by the witness Deally who had afforded him a temporary domicile. The deceased had stated to the witness James Devin that he had been drinking hard at Kihikihi up to Friday last.— The jury Returned a verdict of death from excessive drinking and requested the coroner to append the fol\ lowing rider : — "The jury are of opinion that the death of the said Samuel < Jame*^ was accelerated from excessive drinking at Kihikihi, and by the reprehensible practice of publicans supplying drink to persons when in a state of intoxication, and the jury request that this opinion may be appended to the inquisition."