ADJOURNED INQUEST AT ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4196, 8 January 1879, Page 3

ADJOURNED INQUEST AT ASHBURTON.

[BY TELEGKAPff.]

[tBOJC OTJB OWN COBBESPONDENTB-] AfIHBtTBTON, January 7.

The adjourned inquest on William Williams, ferryman at the Sangitata, was held yesterday at the Somerset Hotel, before Dr. Trevor, coroner. It will be remembered that the enquiry was adjourned for the man Barrett's production, he being in the boat at the time Williams met Ms death. When this witness appeared before the jury he was evidently under the influence of drink.

Barrett stated that he crossed the river on Christmas Day, and returned at 8 a.m. on Boxiog Day, deceased taking him over end also a man named Brooke.

The Coroner perceiving that witness was so drunk as to be unable to give coherent evidence, ordered him to be locked op. Dr. Boss said be had examined certain wounds on the fade of deceased. He was of opinion that death was not caused by these, but by drowning. Probably the bruises were produced after death by the body being washed against a shingle bed, and striking violently against rounded stones. They had not the appearance of bruises caused by a man's fist A smooth pole might have pro* duced them. He had only made an external examination, [but concluded from that that deceased had been drowned. Such wounds as those on deceased might probably stun and render swimming difficult. After a few remarks from the Coroner, the jury found a verdict of " Found Drowned, without evidence to show how."

"Very strong interest was shown by the public in the matter, and Barrett's evidence being undoubtedly unreliable, no doubt the police will make farther inquiries.