FATAL ACCIDENT.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 99, 1 February 1868, Page 5

FATAL ACCIDENT.

INQUEST AT THE BIG BUSH. On Monday afternoon last, an inquest was held at Shepherd’s Grove Hotel, Big Bush, upon the body of Mr. Joseph Blaymires, by H. Williams, Esq., M.D., coroner, and the following jury : —Mi'. J. Dumbell (foreman), Messrs. G. Perry, J. Carstairs, J. Bisland, Chas. Ohlsen, H. Humphreys, F. Rush, T. Harris, E. Smith, J. Hedgeland, A. Herd, and O. Gallagher. George Jellyman deposed that he was a sheep-farmer, residing at Spring Cx-eek. About 6 p.m. on December 28th, he last saw the deceased. He then told him his name was Joseph Blaymires, and enquired the way to Renwicktown. He offered to take him over to that place on a horse if he thought the river was too high, telling him it was about up to his knees. Deceased replied that he could walk that. He did not see anything more of him after he had got about 300 yards, away. Certainly did not think the river dangerous for foot passengers. Deceased was slightly under the influence of drink, but not sufficient to prevent him crossing safely. He cautioned him as to the nature of the crossing, near which was a deep hole, telling him to keep high up.

Daniel Ford deposed that lie was a farmer residing at Spring Creek. 'The deceased

was a stranger to him. He last saw him alive on the 28th ultimo, when he enquired the way to Renwicktown. He told him he could either go by Jelly man’s, or round by the mill. He asked if the river was low, and witness said that he thought it was. He left to go in the direction of Renwicktown. He saw no more of him until he found the body on the previous day (Sunday) ; had heard that deceased was lost, and was sure the body was that of Blaymires, by the dress. He told Mills, who lives with him, that he had found the body, and with him and five others went down to see it. He then sent a messenger to infoim the police authorities at Blenheim. By the Corner : When deceased left me on December 28th, I had no doubt but he would cross the river safely. The jury found that deceased came to his death “ Accidentally by Drowning.”