FATAL LAUNCH ACCIDENT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 124, 19 February 1929, Page 13

FATAL LAUNCH ACCIDENT

• OPEN VERDICT AT INQUEST. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, February 18. An open verdict was returned by the Coroner, Mr. Sutherland, at the inquest on Richard Madden, who was drowned at the Manukuu Heads on the night of February 2. The deceased was one of a party of fifteen in a launch. A witness who ■ piloted the launch stated that before the launch left Onehunga fifteen gallons of beer were taken aboard. Five gallons were drunk on the way down. Madden was missed at 9 p.m. Later his body was found between the launch and the wharf. William Franklin, a carrier, stated that he thought there were twenty-five gallo.ns of beer on the launch when she left Onehunga. Fire gallons were con- , sumed on the way to Whatipu. The I remainder was brought back the next day. There was no bickering or arguing among the party. Other evidence stated that alb the members of the party were quite sober, except one man, who was put in a dinghy on arrival at Whatipu, and went to sleep there.