THE SUDDEN DEATH RIVERHEAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8066, 6 October 1887, Page 5

THE SUDDEN DEATH RIVERHEAD.

CORONER'S INQUEST.

An inquest was held yesterday at Gleeson's Hotel, by Dr. Philson, Coroner, and a jury of six, into the cause of death of - Francis Conway, who expired suddenly in the Riverhead; Hotel, on 3rd inst. The first witness called was Alexander Marshall, master of tho 8.8. Vivid, who stated that the deceased had come on the boat on the 3rd inst. with his daughter-in-law. He seemed to be very feeble when he came on board, and had to be assisted to the cabin. He left the boat at Auckland, but came on board at half-past three. He then appeared weaker than before. Deceased left the vessel at Riverhead in. company with his daughter-in-law, and went into Deacon's hotel. While witness was in the bar, Mrs. Francis Conway, junr., came into the bar with her husband, and was shortly followed by the deceased. The latter sat down, and began to cough Rlightly. Some froth appeared upon his lips. Those present went over to him, and witness shortly after felt his pulse, bat could not discern any boating. Deceased was then carried to a room with a fire, where his body, and feet were rubbed, but without any effect, as he was then dead. Information was then forwarded to Helensville, to Constable Foreman, of thp occurrence. Sarah Conway, wife of Francis Conway, jun. r and daughter-in-law of the deoeased, stated that she had come to Auckland on Monday la»t with deceased to draw his pension. He was 93 years of age, and had been a bale old man, but he complained of being fatigued before starting for Auckland. He had not been confined to his bed at all. After deceased drew his pension, about £4, they went- into several shops and made purchases. He was then very feeble. Sergeant Clarke stated that he had received information of Conway's death at eleven o'clock on the 4th inst, and proceeded to Kiverhead to make enquiries. tie brought the body to Auckland, and placed it in the morgue. This was all the evidence, and tho jury, without retiring, brought in a verdict of 44 Death from natural causes."