CORONER'S INQUESTS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 221, 17 September 1919, Page 10

CORONER'S INQUESTS.

PONXJI DROWNING CASE. DUE TO LOXG IimERSIOX. An inquest touching the death of John Daniel Howard, aged 37. of Strain ford Street, Parnell, who died in a launch oil' Pontii island on Monday last, following oji a. long immersion, was held at the morgue yesterday afternoon, before llr. .I.E. Wilson, S.M.

Tlie master of the launch Emily, William Rodgers Clark, stated that he and ■How.'rd were together on the launch, going to Paeroa, when she grounded on a spit off JlcCallum's Island. The deceased went forward to push her off, and witness warned him that it was dangerous. Witness then went below. He was alarmed by a cry. and. going on deck, found deceased struggling in the water. He managed to get a life-belt to deceased, and then put off to the shore for a dinghy, but owing to the heavy sea. n-aetuore than an hour away. Deceased was some three, miles out to sea when witness eventually picked him up: He then seemed quite well, but, on being lifted into the launch, collapsed, anil artificial respiration was of no avail. It subsequently transpired tluit the launch's bosulhook was broken and it was apparently while Howard was trying to push olf with it that tlie accident occurred.

A post uiorten examination, held by Dr. V. X. \\\ .Murray showed the cause of death to be syncope, tlie result of fatty heart overtaxed by lon- immersion in the water.

The Coroner's verdict was one of acei denial death.

KKYBER PASS FATAtITY. INQ.I*K>T AD.HHKNEI). An imimvt into the death of Mrs. Rafferty, of -M. KUerton Road, Mt. lileii whose death wan bite result of beins? Rocked down by a toxical, i,, Ivhybe'r iass on Mi.miiy evening was opened at the morgue before Mr. .1. X Wilson S.M.. yesterday afternoon. Kvidcm-e of identity was taken, and the mqiict was then adjourned indeli,,it.-lv