HARBOUR MYSTERY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7020, 7 January 1910, Page 10

HARBOUR MYSTERY

KEW YEAH EVE FATALITY. A COACHMAN'S DEATH. The circumstances surrounding the death of Neil Miller, whose body was found floating in the harbour, near the Queen's wharf on Wednesday last, were investigated -resterdav at the morgue by Mr W. G. Riddell, S.JI., coroner. The evidence of Dr Fyfle was to the effect that the cause of death was drowning, but in all probability deceased was unconscious when he entered the water, no water having been found in the stomach, nor any trace of' alcohol. Having been in the water for several days any alcohol that might have been in the stomach at the time he entered would probably have evaporated. There was a small bruise on the bridge of the nose, and other small marks on the face. These injuries had probably been inflicted when deceased was falling into the water. Other evidence showed that deceased was a single man and had been in the employ of Dr Cahill for the last fifteen years. He was temperate in his habits. Joseph Bruton, a resident of Hataitai, last saw him alive late on New Year's Eve at the corner of Featherston street and Lambton quay. On leaving him deceased went m the direction of Hunter street. Miller was apparently sober. Sergeant Darby: Did you make a statement to a constable that deceased had drink?—No, not to my knowledge. The Coroner: Did you have any liquor while Miller and you were together ? No, none whatever. A cab proprietor named John Lane, residing in Grant road, also saw deceased about 11.10 near the cabstand in front of Kirkcaldie's on Now Year's Eve. He corroborated the evidence as to Miller's sobriety, also that deceased had no liquor with him. Sergeant Darby: Did you tell a constable that deceased had a bottle of whisky and that some of the cabmen and yourself had a drink with him ? —No, I did not.

Witness said that when deceased left lie went towards the wharf, via Brandon street. He lived at his employers place on Wellington terrace. Ho was by himself when he left and did not intimate where ho was going to. Samuel Hawkins, cab-driver, of Newtown; said he saw deceased between 11 and 12 either on Thursday or Friday evening last. He crossed over from Stewart Dawson's corner and went in the direction of the wharf, via Customhouse quav. His head was hanging down. Witness admitted having told a constable that he thought deceased was slightly under the influence pi liquor, but he could not definitely state whether such was the case or not. Witness had never previously seen Miller The evidence of Constable T. Kelly showed that deceased's watch hart stopped at 2.35. On the body, was found a gun metal watch, various other articles, and £\ 4s lid in money. The coroner found that death was due to drowning, there being, insufficient evidence to show how deceased came to get into the water.