OLD MAN'S DEATH

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 679, 31 March 1909, Page 5

OLD MAN'S DEATH

PECULIAR OIROUMSTANOES. (Press Association), Ohristohuroh, Last Night. An inquest concerning the death of Andrew Douglas Hardie, 70years, whose body was found lying outside a cottage at Dudley Greek last Sunday week was resumed this afternoon by Mr F. W. Bishop, distriot coroner, and a jury. When the inquest opened last week medioal evidence was given to the effect that the old man's spine was dislooated and eight ribs on the right Bide of the body were broken and had penetrated the lungs..The injuries might have been odused by a blow on the side. Tliey were' all ante-mortem and might have been caused by a motor oar striking the man's baok and side. There were no exteinal maiks of violence and if he was

struok by a oar it was possible there would be no marks because death followed so quiokly after the blow. The man would not have been able to walk from the soene of the aooident to the place where the body waß found, a distance of fifteen yards. He was absolutely incapable of stooping and therefore could not plaoe the kit under his head. The inquast was adjourned for further enquiries to be made by the police. To-day the driver and ocoupants of a taxioab whioh passed the locality on the night the man was found Btated that they neither saw the man nor felt a shook. An open verdiot was returned.