THE LATE MR. LAZARD.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 80, 11 April 1870, Page 2

THE LATE MR. LAZARD.

INQUEST,

An inquest was held this afternoon on the body of Lawrence Lazard, who died so suddenly on Saturday last, particulars of which will be found in another column. The exami. nation was conducted by T. M. Philson, Esq., Coroner. The following jurymen were dtuV sworn-i —Thomas Browne Hannafprd,- Henry Christopher, Patrick ~Harkins,( William Oliver, John King, Frederick Harvey Lewifl, son, Frederick WUliams, George McCrt_; WiUiam MUler, PliiUip Soloman, Joel Henry Asher, Louis Ehrenfreid,' John Lowe, Richard James Felters, William Rogers. Mr. Lowe was chosen foreman. ''• A ■

The jury having viewed the body at the residence of the deceased, returned to the jury-room, where the foUowing evidence was adduced :—

Mr. Wynn appeared for the friends of the deceased, and asked that there should be a post mortem examination. Mr. Simon Phillips, deposed : I am a tobacconist, residing in Queen-street. Was acquainted with the deceased, who was a merchant doing business in Shortland-street, He was about thirty-five years of age. I beUeve he was in his usual good health ; saw him last aUve abcut half past' four on Saturday afternoon. He was then in the Police Court, in High-street. I first noticed him slightly excited, in consequence, I believe, of the adverse verdict of the Court, just dehvered in the cause of H.M. Customs against the deceased. He was standing at the porch of the Court, putside, having his head resting pn his arm, leaning against the wall. I let him be for a few mo> ments, and then taking him by the arm, pei>. suaded him to, come inside. Before I had got' him inside, he said he could not walk. Big legs became convulsed. Detective Ternahan ; then assisted him inside, and one of the constat bles gave him some water. He recovered' for a short time. I tried to cheer him up; he was now sitting, down, on a chair in an office of the Court. Detective Ternahan and several constables were present. Deceased made some remarks, as if to himself, he said,, " To go to a gaol!" I did not care to inter-1 fere with him as he was evidently in trouble j was not alarmed at that time for his safety;' thought him only a little overcome from the* protracted trial and the thoughts of going to gaol. About five minutes after, entering the office he had a second attack' He jumped up from the chair and staggered.:* The constables immediately assisted • hitei. They carried him into the yard to give him^ more air, and he died almost immediately.' This was about half-past four. There was ho vomiting of blood. His face became very, black. Have known deceased for about fifteen months, since he has been in Auckland, and never knew of his having a fit. His habits were regular and sober. He had had a glass of champagne early in the day, some gin and bitters, and another drink. He was perfectly collected and free from any intoxication. Did not observe his swaUowing anything before his death. Cannot account for his death. -_• , ... ~-, ,% -,-,'

Examined by Mi*. Wynn :' Am aware that after the judgment .of the Court was pronounced, fining the. deceased £100, or to six months imprisonment, •he was informed that there were seven other caßes of a simila., nature on which he would be proceeded; against. This was stated in open Court by,[ the representatives of the Crown. ..^.^eceasbd" was a member of the Jewish.1 persuaaop. It . would .be difficult for him (1 to,, obtain assistance from those of his OTOir persuasion on that day. Am aware _ia. great efforts were made to hold him to bail, or in some way to keep him from going ,to gaol. AU those efforts proved ineffectual. ;Tt was , after these efforts were, made that he-appeared in that dejected state., Had seen nothing to alarm me but seeing his leaning against the" porch. A ' A [Left sitting.]