STOCK AGENT’S DEATH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 233, 14 September 1928, Page 3

STOCK AGENT’S DEATH

INQUEST PROCEEDINGS VERDICT OF “FOUND DROWNED.” Yesterday afternoon at the Hastings Police Station, an inquest was held concerning the death of David Mitchell Dunn, who was found drowned in the Karamu Creek on Wednesday last. Mr R. Brathwaite, J.P., was the coroner and the following jury was sworn:—Messrs J. L. Steedman (foreman), C. Kirkpatrick, J. Pilcher and J. F. Clarebut. Sergeant Doggett conducted the proceedings. Joseph William Wedd, auctioneer for Murray, Roberts and Co., said that the deceased was his uncle, and that lie was a stock agent for dePelichet. McLeod and Co. He last saw the deceased alive on Wednesday July 25th. He was then in good health, and, as far as witness knew, tie had no financial worries. On July 31 witnessed learned that the deceased had left home, after some slight difference with his wife. Quiet inquiries were made by his relatives, and subsequently, he was reported as missing to the police. The deceased was of a moody, reticent nature. The deceased’s birth certificate was found on the body. He was 49 years of age, married, and had two sons. Witness did not know of any reason that might cause the deceased to commitsuicide. The deceased’s widow was at present living in Wellington. To a Juror: There might be a chance of the deceased falling into the creek if he was attending to stock there at the time. The nigh:, he disappeared was a dark, but not a wild one. To the Coroner: The deceased lived on good terms with his wife, who was very fond of him. Lauric Conway said that on the morning of September 12th he and his brother were cutting willow firewood on the Karamu Creek when they found the body at 10 a.m., about eight -feet from the bank. They notified tho police. To a Juror: It was on de Pelichet’s side of the creek that tho body was found. There was only three feet of water, but it was deep in the centre of the creek. Constable Hislop, in giving formal evidence, said the body bore no marks of violence. A verdict was returned that deceased was found drowned in Karamu Creek, on September 13th, but that there was no evidence to show how the body got into the water.