MYSTERIOUS DEATH.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5219, 8 March 1904, Page 5

MYSTERIOUS DEATH.

THE CASE OE T. C. MATHESON. FEESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN. March 7. Tho inquest touching tho death of Thomas Crerar Matheson, whoso body was found in tho harbour, was continued to-day. Dr Gordon MacDonald, who made a po-stMnortem with Dr Gloss, said they found the front of the neck under the chin round to either ear and down to tho chest wall much disco-loured and bloodstained, such as would' occur in a caso of strangulation. There was an oval wound, similar to a bullet-wound, on the inner part of tho ball of the left thumb, and a largo wound on tho left arm above the wrist-joint, such a.s might bo inflicted by a sharp weapon. The conclusions they arrived at were:—(l) Tho wounds wore inU-vctcd before death; (2) tho 'discolouration of the neck took place before depth; (3) the congestion of tho lungs and brain was consistent with any interference with tho act of freo breathing; (4) tho absence of fluid or froth in tho lungs, and tho _ almost complete absence of fluid in, the stomach were not characteristic of death by drowning; (5) probably the person was dead, or at least unco-n----soitons, before falling or being thrown into tho watery (0) it was possible, hut not likely, that opium entered into tho cause of death: (7) it was possible tho injuries on tho hand were selfinflicted; (8) tho same remark would apply to the injuries on the nock, but not to the same degree of probability. Evidence was- given that deceased a'nd D. P. Wall, chief mate of the ship Akaroa, were driven to tho wharf on the night of February 27th. Both wore under the influence of liquor. D. P. Wall said ho could not recall tho fact of having boon driven to tho wharf with Matheson. It was quite likely, as Matheson lind accompanied him on previous occasions, and slept on board. Witness had taken a liking to Matheson. They had been in several places on tho night of tho 27th. Tho inquest was farther adjourned to permit of the stomach being analysed and further inquiries made.