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New Zealand Mail, Issue 907, 19 July 1889, Page 28

Case of Droavnjng. —Constable Leahy, of Pitono, recovered a body whioh was seen floating in the harbour near Pitone last Friday. The remains, were subsequently identified as those of an Italian named Antonio Meccaliff, who has lately been employed as cook at the Empire Hotel. From papers found in tho deceased’s pockets it was shown that he had been employed on board the steamers Arawata, Penguin, Kennedy, and Tararua, the latter of which was wrecked off Waipapa Point about eight years ago, when Meccaliff barely escaped with his life. It was seen from his discharges that he held a most unimpeaohable character. Lately he had been employed as chief cook at the Methodist Ladies’ School, Hawthorn, from which institution he received a good character. Deceased was 41 years of age, and a native of Malta. An inquest was held at the Marine Retreat Hotel, Pitone, on Saturday. Mr R. S. Johnstone, J.P., in the absence of Mr Robinson, acted as Coroner, and Mr Edward Riddler was chosen foreman of the jury. Evidence was given by Mr N. Fernandos, fishmonger, of Welling, ton, who recognised the body as that of Antonio Meccaliffe. Mr A. G. Mabin, employed at the hulk Jubilee, Pitone, stated that he identified the body as the one he saw floating on Thursday near the Pitone Wharf. Mr G. Meonen, fisherman, from the Heads, deposed that he saw the deceased at the Heads about 11 days ago. Deceased seemed to be suffering from a heavy drinking bout, and was in a very shaky condition. He remained with witness for two or three days, and left on Friday, June 15, for Wellington. Deceased' appeared very depressed daring his stay. Dr Whitehead examined the body and found no marks of any violence. The jury returned an open verdict of found drowned.