DEAD BODY FOUND IN THE HARBOR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 849, 8 June 1888, Page 24

DEAD BODY FOUND IN THE HARBOR.

Yesterday week two youths named Robert Gillespie aud Tuckey, apprentices at Luke's ‘lron Foundry, who were on the Queen’s Wharf, noticed a dark object floating in the water near the outer tee, which on closer inspection proved to be a dead body. They at once , reported' the discovery to the constable on duty, Constable Howard, and ho prooured a boat, and, with the assistance of Constable Alay, managed to land the body, and afterward conveyed it to the Morgue. ■ The description ot the body is that of a man sft 7in or Bin in height, stoutish build, fair complexion, aad clean shaved, except moustache. . It was dressed in serge trousers, blue guernsey, and a pair of new shoes, and was considerably decomposed. On the body was found a letter, headed 9,' Regeut-terrace, Victoria Dock Road, London. It was started—“ Dear husband,” and was signed “ Your affectionate wife, Annie Rogers.” In tho pockets also were a knife, pipe, handkerchief, and 2s 6d in silver. Tne police have little doubt under the circumstances that the body found is that of David Rogers, a fireman, who has been reported missing from the steamer Tongariro since tho 19th inat, when she was last in port. As the vessel is now in Port Chalmers, they will be glad if any one who know tlie man David Rogers would com. municate with them for the purpose of identifying the body. There can be little doubt as to it being that of David Rodgers, as the description of the. missing man corresponds exactly with that of the body which has been recovered.

An inquest was held at tbe Morgue by Dr Johnston, the District Coroner, on Saturday morning. Mr B. Oxner was chosen foreman of a jury of six which was empanelled. Air J. L. Kimbell, the landlord of the Pier Hotel, deposed to the deceased having visited his hotel for tho last time on Saturday, 19th Alay. All the time the Tongariro (aboard of whioh vessel deceased was a fireman) was in port some of the sailors called every Jay to inquire for the deceased.' Alfred Perch, a draper, who kuew deceased, identified the body as that of Daniel Rogers, a fireman of the Tonga, riro. A verdict of “Found drowned” was returned.