“The Press” In 1865

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30938, 20 December 1965, Page 16

“The Press” In 1865

December 20 INQUEST ON A MAORI.-—An inquest was held yesterday at the Albion hotel, Lyttelton, on the body of a Maori who died suddenly on Monday morning. His name was Aporo; he had lately come from the North Island to reside in Port Levy, and appeared almost a stranger to the Natives here. Mrs Beaty, the first witness, said that at half-past eight o'clock on Monday morning she saw the deceased near her house, in Exeter street, with a bundle of wood upon his back. He appeared ill: she spoke to him, he made her no answer, but immediately feU forward upon his thee; sheobtatoed assistance from Mrs Lynn, a neighbour; they took the wood off Ms bacTbathed hta fhra, found be was dying, and immediately sent for Dr. Rouse. Aporo died in a minute or two after he fell, and before medical assistance arrived. Susan

a half-caste, was next sworn, and said— She came with Aporo on Monday morning in a boat from Port Levy to Lyttelton; he appeared very well, and pulled the whole of the way. He was a stranger, and had neither friends nor relatives in Port Levy. About a fortnight ago he was going to'Pigeon . Bay with two little Maori boys, when he fell down on the road, and he had to return to Port Levy, being too weak to go on. Home was next sworn (Mr S. R. Carver acting as interpreter)—He said he came with Aporo in the boat on Monday morning “tfWnf tbe matter withhto till they got on shore at Lyttelton, when he complained of feeling very poorly. He believed deceased was subject to fits, and all that be knew was that he had lately come froth the West Coast The jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died by the visitation of God." ’