Inquest Into Boy’s Death

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 268, 15 November 1934, Page 7

Inquest Into Boy’s Death

OPEN VERDICT RETURNED Per Press Association. WAIMATE, Last Night. An open verdict was returned at the inquest on Alvin Flynn, aged 14, who was found dead in a water-hole after having been missing for 17 days. Evidence was given by the father, Jeremiah Flynn, who employed his son as an assistant in his training stables, that he returned home after a day’s absence on October 13 to find the boy missing and a horse belonging to deponent in a paddock, with the bridle knotted about its neck. A search was made for the boy, but not until 17 days later wa3 the body found, floating in a creek some distance from the house. Deponent claimed that he reported the boy’s absence to the police on October 15, but a police witness said the first official report was made on October 26. Flynn, in a statement to the police, said he did not report earlier owing to a conviction that the boy had gone to some Tacing stable, but he reiterated that he verbally reported on October 15. Another deponent said the boy had galloped fresh horses Tound a paddock and had wanted to jump a creek, but deponent stopped him and he eventually departed for home, taking a direction whore the body was found later. Dr. Wylie said a post-mortem examination showed no signs of wounds or bruises and no fractures. The boy had apparently been lying head down in the water and mud may have prevented him from breathing, as death, was not due to drowning. The. boy may

have suffocated,. this, being the most likely cause of death.. The Coroner said it- was impossible to say how the body came into the water or the actual cause of death, But there were suspicious circumstances. .. The verdict was according to ihe medical evidence.