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Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 156, 2 July 1917, Page 2

A eoronial inquiry ropurdinj; tlir death , of Ernest David Stafford, who fell into t the harbour oir tbe King's wharf on Saturday evening, and was drowned, w-as [ held In '.Mr V. V. Frazer. S.M.. this morn- , ing. Dr. L'oldicutt stated that about , H.IU p.m. on Saturday he was called to tlie Kiilfj'" wharf, where lie saw tile body nf deceased. Artificial respiration was tried for some time, hut without result. A post mortem examination disclosed signs of lung trouble. In his opinion death was due to drowning. Assuming , that dec-o&se*) was sitting on the guarii plank, with his heels resting on the rounded iron surface of the edge of the wharf, and also a-wi lining that he wa.s '. deformed, by reason of rheumatism, do- ' ceased probably would not have been \ able to prevent himself falling into the water. Witness complimented Constable ' Hamilton on the way lie performed artificial respiration. Rvidrnoe was given that deceased wa.s a proom aged 3:!. employed by .Messrs. Pullan. Armitage ami Oα.. and resided in Wellesloy Street East. He suffered very severely from rheumatics, to such an extent, that ho found gre-at dillindty in walking. His voice w-as affected, and he could not speak very will. It was thought if hn had fallen into the water he would not have Iveen able to use bis arms to prevent himself from drowning. A verdict was returned that, the caiioc of death was accidental drowning. A ■-mall earjro o.f fruit and hides from Norfolk Island ha* arrived in Auckland. The crew of the vessel which carried the cargo state that life on Norfolk Island is normal, and that both, the health and trading success of the islanders is satisfactory.