BODY FOUND IN THE HARBOUR-INQUEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6998, 22 April 1884, Page 5

BODY FOUND IN THE HAR-BOUR-INQUEST.

Dβ. PHttsoy, Coroner,, and a jury held an inquest at Glee3on's Hotel, yesfserday, on the body of Edwin' Welcome," -who was found drowned in the harbour on Sunday. ' Mr. Walter Gregory was chosen foreman of the jury. ; Sergeant Clarke represented the police.—Constable McDonnell deposed that I'.bout a quarter to seven o'clock on Saturday evening last he saw deceased walking down Queen-street Wharf. ' Witness was washing the police boat'at the- time, and deceased stood and looked at him for a minute. He appeared to be sober. Had no conversation. Heard next day deceased was drowned. Saw his body, and identified it at the dead-home. There was froth at the nose and mouth aa i is usual in persona who' have been drowned.' —Charles Bailey, boat bnilder, residing iu' Nelson-street, deposed that on Sunday morning, abont sine o'clock, he went down to the boat yard at Lower Hobson-street, and saw the body of a' man floating in the water close to the slip: Sent word to the police station. Constable Mackay removed the body to the dead-house.—Edward Hare, carpenter, residing in Turner-street, deposed that he had been acquainted with deceased during the past twelve months. Hβ was a commission agent and accountant by occupation. He was about 56 years of age, and was married. Oβ Friday last at halfpast nine p.m. saw deceased standing in Queen-atreet, at the corner of Wellealeystreet Kast. He was leaning against-a lamppost. He was drunk, and witness had much difficulty in ( taking him to his (witneas'a) house, where he lodged. Put him to bed. Noticed on bringing him home that the gold watch, guard, and loaket which he usually wore were missing.' He gave witness his gold watch and other articles as per inventory produced. On going to deceaied's room next morning at a quarter to aix found that be was not there. The gas was burning in his room at the time, as was the case all eight. Searched for him all Saturday up till twelve o'clock at night, but could not 6nd him. He was told by Constable Sole that he had seen deceased that morning at half-past five near the Governor Browne Hotel, and that he wae then sober; Heard alao that he had been in the Pacific Hotel in the afternoon. Went out in search again on Sunday morning. Was informed at two o'clock the same afternoon that a man had been" found drowned. Went to the dead-house, and identified. the body as that of Edwin Welcome. Deceased came' to' witness's home from New Plymouth on Sunday week, April 13, and at that' time he had a large bundle of bank notes. None of these notes were now to be found. On the Friday night, when he was drank, he said to witness, " I have been making a fool of myself, spending my money, aa I always do when I begin to drink."—lsaao Broad, watchmaker, residing in Albert-street, deposed that deceased called at his ehop on Saturday evening between five and six o'clock. Witness invited him to tea, bnt he declined, saying ho was in a hurry. He promised to call again, but did hot; He was under the influence of liquor, hut knew what he wae about:—By Sergeant Clarke : 1 did not refnee to give the police information when they asked me.—The Coroner read the following telegram,' which ho had received from Dr. O'Cmtoll,* at New - Plymouth:— " Weloome, who was found drowned, was subject to epilepsy for years.': Refused insurance. I attended■ him for 20 years'." Dr. Murray Moore was called, and identified the body as that of Edwin-Welcome, whom witness saw on Easter Tuesday, 15th inst. Had: treated deceased professionally -about 15 months previously. Was informed, that deceased was subject to epileptic fits. Was aware that deceased' was addicted to drink.* From' examination of the body, death appeared to be caused by violence.—Constable Mackay deposed to searohing the body. Found a gold ring on the left- hand,' with "E. Welcome" engraved on the inner surface. Found in the' pockets :' a half sovereign, six sixpences, pipe, tobacco* pouch, etc The witness Broad showed much reserve in giving information to him (Constable Mackay), although the questions were couched insnch a way as.not to give offence. —Mr. Hare corroborated this statement.—An open verdict o£ "found diowhed" was returned. . • ■■■"-•