JUMP INTO HARBOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22318, 16 January 1936, Page 11

JUMP INTO HARBOUR

WELLINGTON MAN'S FATE EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON. Wednesday At nn inquest concerning the death of Thomas Duggan, whose body was recovered from the Wellington harbour, evidence was given by Duggau's landlady that deceased said he was going to live in a bach, but was leaving his property behind. Since January 1 lie appeared to have something on his mind, and could not sleep. Martin Grealick, a fellow employee, said lie met Duggan on the night of January 4. Duggan was unsettled and appeared to bo getting over a drinking bout. Duggan refused to go to bed and they roused 1. Lavin, of Northland, and the three of them went along to Waterloo Quay. At Aotea Quay Duggan said: " Are you coming to fish, Jim; I am," and jumped into the water. He could not be seen alter and was not heard to call out. Ho had a wife and a son in Ireland, but had been in New Zealand for nine years.

1. Lavin, in evidence, said Duggan's object in going for a walk was to get liquor. A verdict was returned that deceased drowned himself by jumping into the harbour on January 5 while suffering from the effects of excessive alcoholism. The coroner, Mr. JO. Gilbertson, said that as Duggan was not a heavy drinker the alcohol had more effect on him.