A SINGULAR INQUEST.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9275, 22 April 1891, Page 4

A SINGULAR INQUEST.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, April 2L

At an inquest on the body of Moses Chambers, a bricklayer, who died suddenly at Epsom, it transpired that the doctor who had mado the post mortem examination of the remains (Dr Orpen), did not open the stomach. He said, however, that he believed the cause of death wae syncope from general debility. The examination was made in tho presence of Dr Maokellar, and instructions were given by Dr Philson, tho Coroner, that tho stomach should be opened, but the jury would cot wait for the second examination, and dispersed after returning tho following verdict : —"That Moses Chambers died suddenly, but that there is no evidence to show the cause of death.” They added a rider expressing dissatisfaction that the atomaoh had not been examined. Dr Orpen, who had treated tho deceased, stated in his evidence that Chambers had complained of cold, and witness prescribed tinoture of bryonga. The housekeeper of deceased deposed that Chamber's took three drops of modioine, aud a few minutes afterwards died.

Dr Orpen has since reported that be examined the stomach, and that the man died from exhaustion. In consequence of the peculiar nature of the verdict the police communicated with the Coroner, Dr Philson. who has replied that there is no need for farther notion, as he is satisfied from the evidence that death resulted from natural onuses.