“The Press” In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30635, 29 December 1964, Page 8

“The Press” In 1864

DECEMBER 29 INQUEST. —An inquest was held on the 24th inst, at Westerfield station, before R. Park. Esq., J. P, and 12 jurymen. of who C. Reed. Esq., was chosen foreman, on the body of Peter Zimmerman. a native of Hesse Cassel, when a verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned. From the evidence ef J. W. Early it appeared that he and the deceased, who was engaged in Mr W. S. Young's survey party, started on the morning of the 23rd, with an empty dray to cross the Ashburton at an ordinary ford, the river being divided into two channels some distance apart They crossed the first one easily, but on arrival at the second, considered it unadvisable to attempt it, as the river appeared rising, and so turned back with the intention of returning to ramp After two ineffectual attempts to pass the channel they had previously crossed so easily, deceased rode the shaft horse to camp and procured a leader for the dray, and having returned and harnessed the horses they again attempted to cross, deceased riding the shaft horse. On reaching the middle of the ford the leader turned down stream, and the shaft horse following, the dray immediately upset. Early was thrown into

the water, but managed to reach the shore, when he saw the dray drifting down stream and landed on the opposite side some 200 yards below the ford. Wm. Halfpenny deposed to coming to the spot at the time of the accident, when he saw Early on the opposite side of the river, and deceased missing. After searching unsuccessfully up and down stream, he perceived the deceased under the shafts of the dray and entangled in the chains and traces. After vainly trying to extricate him he procured assistance from Mr Reed's station. and the lifeless body was removed to the place of inquest. The unfortunate deceased, who was only 20 years of age bore the highest character for his numerous qualities, and is greatlv regretted by all who knew him. THE TOURNAMENT CLUB.— . The old knightly sport seems to have sprung into new life in this hemisphere. In Otago it has become a very favorite amusement, and. judging by the disolay made when it was first attempted here on the anniversary day. there are not a few Canterbury men who. with a little practice, will be well able to challenge the gallants of Otago to a friendly joust. It will no doubt soon find its place among our recognised sports.