INQUEST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15692, 26 February 1913, Page 9

INQUEST.

An inquest was held yesterday mornin" *. before the coroner (Mr C. 0. Graham) concerning tho death of Phyllis _ Margaret Olive Boutcher.ohe year and nine months old, who was found drowned on Monday morning in a creek running at the back of her aunt's residence in Elm road, NorthEast Valley. _ Annie Malvina Boutcher, wife of Henry Eoutcher, aid aunt of the doceasod child, stated that the deceased was strong and healthy. On Monday morning the child was playing ou'tside in the garden by herself. The garden at tho back was bounded by a creek. There was' a hedge, but it did not afford any Kreat protection as it was not in very good condition. She_ and her husband did not trouble about this as they had no children of their own. The child was staying at the house on a visitSho had been putting out somo clothes to dry, and 'tad gone into tho house to have a cup of tea. Shortly afterwards the deceased child's little aged three years, came running in and 6aid that his sister was in the water. She_ ran out at once, and found the child floating in "water about a foot deep. She got across the creek with the ohild's mother and daughter. The screams of the latter attracted the neighbours, with whose assistance t'ne body was recovered. The child was then to all appearance quite dead. Unsuccessful efforts were mado to restore animation. In the meantime Dr M'Kellar had been communioated with, and on 'nis arrival shortly after receiving the 6ummons he pronouncedlife to be extinct. , . Corroborat-ivo evidence was given by Emma Constance Egley. . " . The Coroner said he "was satisfied that it was a pare accident, and that there was no neglect or want of care on the part of the mother. He would return a verdict of " Accidentally drowned."