DEATH BY DROWNING

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 13

DEATH BY DROWNING

The Coroner (Mr. J. 11. Salmon, S.M.) presided over an inquest held yesterday morning to inquire into tlie death of William George Murdoch, whose body was found lloating in the harbour on Tuesday morning. The last time deceased was seen alive was in the early hours of the morning of June 27, after he had attended a ball in St. Francis Hall. Hill Street. The evidence showed that deceased attended the ball with two other men, and alter Some time was seen to be under the

influence of liquor. At about 1 o'clock in the morning a taxi was called and deceased, accompanied by two women and three men, left the hall/ One of the women left the taxi in Cuba Street, and the cab proceeded towards the Town Hall. Deceased became very argumentative and started to swear. He was warned that if he did not stop swearing he would have to leave the taxi. He did leave it iu Lower Cuba Street. This happened at about 1.20 a.m., after which deceased was seen walking towards Jervois Quay. This evidence was corroborated by the other occupants of the taxi.

Deceased's body was identified by the man with whom he had been living in Queen Street, I’etone, prior to his death. It was stated that deceased was 24 or 25 years of age, and that, his parents lived in Auckland. Murdoch was employed at the Petone. AVorkshops and had no financial worries. He had always borne q good character and was not in the habit of taking liquor. The Coroner brought in a finding to the effect that deceased died through drowning. there being no evidence to show how he got into the water.