INQUEST ON THE BODY OF PATRICK GIBBONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4325, 26 March 1884, Page 3

INQUEST ON THE BODY OF PATRICK GIBBONS.

An inquest was hold this afternoon at Gloeson's Hotel, before Dr. Philson coroner, and; a jury (Mr Thomas Brown, foreman), on the body of I'atrick Gibbons, who was found dead yesterday morning at St Jacob's ladder. Sergeant McMobon represented the police. The jury having viewed the body, tho following witnesses were examined. John Pittdoposod that he was a gum digger, reaModat WairoaNorth, knew ihedeceaßed, also a gunidigger; thoy had been working together at Taupaki; laßt saw him alivo on Tue-day morning (yesterday), about 6.30; ho was about JO; 3_e and deceased were going up the steps of "Jacob's ladder;" when about thirty foet from, the top he saw Gibbons sittiug on a step; thinking he was unwell ho wont to mm and shook him ; he appeared to be in a partly unconscious state, or muddled through drink; he said: "Paddy.got up;" ho replied: ''lam very weak, leave me alone; ho tried to rat him up, but could net. by himself. A young man who was coming down the steps rendered assistance, and together they carried Gibbous to thn top of the ladder and sat him on the grass by the fence. He seemed to have lost the use of his legs nnd could not sit on tho form. He made no-complaint, but groaned slightly. Hothoughthowuscxhausted for w_nt of pr. per iiouri hrarnt A young woman c.mc up and sa*d she wi.nld tret him a cup of tea. Mrs JlcLtOd br.u,fht it. tut be could not uko it Ho appeared . i king, anrt foil b.ok dead. He reported the matter .o tlio police. On Monday he saw deceased near the Waltemata. Asked him if he had been drinking. He replied no. The constable brought the handcart, and the body was removed to tho morgue, where thejury havo soon It Mrs McLeod, Sergeant Mahoa, and Dr. Honeyman having given evidence, tho jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes."