INQUEST ON THE BODY OF JOHN MORRISON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1445, 6 July 1868, Page 4

INQUEST ON THE BODY OF JOHN MORRISON.

An inqueafc was held on Saturday, before T. M Philson, I£jq., Coroner, a 4; 3 o'clock, on tho body of John Mor. ison, who was drowned on the 20th ult., in consequence of falling overboard from tho s.s. Tauranga on her passage from the Thames to this port. The jury having been sworn in, they proceoded to view the body which was in an advanced stage of putrefaction. Jeremiah Corrigan, constable in the Wafer Police, deposed :—Ycsicrd\y morning I received information that thero waß a body washed up at Koliimirama on the beach, and it had been seen by a Maori. In consequence proceeded tn Kohimirama with Constable McCaffrey, in the Police Boat. Fcund the body on the beach above high-water mailt lying on a rail. Did not identify the bodv. There was no one persont. The body was greatly decomposed. The flesh was gone from the face. Placed the body in the boat and conveyed it to town, where it was placed in the dead-house, about 1 a.m. on Saturday. Examined decei.eed's clothing with Mr. Jas. MoLeod. In the pockets of the trouserß found a purse containing half a-crown and a small specimen of quartz, together with a pocket knife. In the breast pocket of the monkey jacket found a pocket book containing a Miner's Right, with the n-une of James Archibald, some letters, and various memoranda: also the deceased's Miner's right, all rendered nearly illegible in consequence of long submersion in se* water. On the little finger of tho right hand found a ring bearing the marks of a pick and shovel. The body was identified by Mr. McLaod as that of his brother-in-law — John Morrison—who foil overboard from the S.s. Tauranga, on the 20th ult., on her passage from -the Thames to Auckland, and had not-been heard of since. The body appeared to have been ahout that length of timo in the water. The body bad been searched for by the police unsuccessfully.

James McLeod, miuer, Shortland, deposed : Have seen tha body lying in the dead house, and identify it as that of John Morrison who has been missing since 20th June. He had been working with witness in the sauoe claim at the Thames. Last saw him on the afternoon of the 20th, when he toot leave of witness at Shortland (this Was Saturday) to go to Auckland by the s.s. Tauranga. Deceased was then in good health. D»ce«ed had with him a carpet bag with ■some clothes. Witness identified the pocket book and knife as having belonged to deceased. The reason of there being two rights is that deceased had bought Archibald's half share in the claim. Deceased was ■witness's brother-in-law, and his age about 35. Deceased was no swimmer. Witness identified the ring found on deceased's hand, which was mush worn. Could not distinguish anythiog from the features, but knew the monkey-jaoket. Witness had -bo doubt but thut the body was that of John Morrison. First heard of the accident on following Tuesday, 23rd. June. Deceased had on a silver watch and a heavy gold chain when he left Shortland, worn on his waistcoast. There was no waistcoat upon tho body. Witness made search far the deceased three days after the elapse of seven Hays fro as the accident. Albert Potter, wool stapl' r. Kohimaramn, depo-ed : About 7 o'clock on Friday morning "a Maori passing tha door with fish called out that a white fellow lay dsad about 20 yards from tho house Witness went to the place with a man named Tucker. Saw a dead body lying upon its back with legs extended about three feet below high water -mark. Observed th«t the breast was exposed in the upper portion, nnd was much discoloured. The clothing was much torn. Tho clothing whs not disturbed. Witness covered the body with bagsand placed an iron wheelbarrow upon it to Veep the flood tide from removing it, and afterwards placed the body above the reach of the tide. The Maori had not touched the body. Be lives on the mission ground at Kohimaroma. Witness identified tho body as the same found on the beach at Kohimarnmt.

Alevaudor Seilars, second mate of the e.g. Tauraoga deposed: On the 20th June last was on the passage from ShortlanA to Auckland with about 100 passengers. About half-way between Brown's Island and tho North Head a cry was raised of " a man overboard." Witness beard 110 splash. It wai about 9.30 p.m., and a very fine night but no moon. Saw no object in the water. Steamer was going about 9 knots. Capt. Seilars (brother to witness) immediately stopped the Teasel and turned the engines full spoed astern. The boat was lowered immediately, and search was made for 40 minutes. No sign Was found of the deceased, who was unknown to witness. There urere two persons, a Mr. and Mrs. Miller, on board, and they seemed to know Morrison and made enquiry, and concluded that ha was the missing man. No information could be gathered as to any one seeing him go overboard. The water was as smooth as glass, notjja breath of wind. Witness believed that deceased must have been sitting on the rail and overbalanced himaelf. Tbo passengers were quite orderly; there was no quarrelling. The carpet bag -was found on board the steamer, and was sealed by Mr. Baillie, and handed over to the police. No watch or chain was fuund on board. This concluded the evidence. The Jury returned the following verdict, That the deceased was found drowned, but that there wai no evidence to show how he came by hi* death.