A SEAMAN'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 162, 9 July 1907, Page 6

A SEAMAN'S DEATH.

An inquiry into the rireum&tances renting to the death at sea of Bufino Gonsalves, on the 14th of June, was held by tne coroner (Mr T. Gresham) this morning, on the s.s. Waiotahi, at the request of the Minister for Marine, and under the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1903. Mr J. R. Lundon watched the proceedings on behalf of Mrs Gonsalves, widow of deceased, and Captain Charles Fleming, Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, appeared for the Msxsne Department. Charles Hopkins, master of the &s. Waiotahi, stated that Gonsalves was a Portuguese, and a native of Cape de Verdi. He was about 47 years of age, and had been in the service of the Northern S-S. Co. for 22 years. He was married, and had a family in Auckland. Witness had always considered deceased a most able and trustworthy seaman. When witness last saw deceased there was nothing unusual in his appearance or demeanour. At 5.45 *™ the first officer reported to witness that he could not find Gonsalves. After searching the ship they put back for 65 minutes, going dead slow, but could find nothing-. In reply to Mr Lundon witness stated that he knew of no financial troubles ■worrying deceased.

To Captain Fleming: The boat was not roiling heavily at the time. Foster -James Jackaberry, first officer, stated that he had come on watch -wrtJi Gonsalves and St. Clair at 4 ajn., the latter being at the wheel. Gonsalves was patrolling tie deck. Witness could give no opinion as to the circumstances relating to the man's death.

Joseph St. Clair, AJ3., stated that he haa been on the sjs. Waiotahi for about two years. When tie deceased was missed they searched the ship, but could find no trace of him Witness had no srlspdeion of foul play.

The Coroner gave his decision as follows:—"I am satisfied from the evidence that Bufrno Gonsalves met his death at sea on the date and at the place stated, and that he went overboard, but there is no evidence ta show how the death occurred. lam satisfied that there can be no suspicion of foul play."