INQUEST.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 987, 18 June 1879, Page 2

INQUEST.

An inquest was held, to-day, on the body of Donald M'lnnes, who was found drowned in the Lagoon yesterday, before T. A. Clowes, Esq., Acting Coroner, and the following jury :— Joseph Booth (foreman), Neil Fleming, Peter Neilson, John Cogvin, William Harper, John Greenfield, Archibald Hogg, John Lawson, "William M'lntosh, John "Urquhart, J. R. Triphook, James Waddle, William Lightholder, Norman Lane.

After the jury had viewed the body, they came to the conclusion that a post mortem examination was necessary.

John Turnbull, a farmer, residing at Burnside, recognised the body as that of Donald M'Donald. Witness became first acquainted with him about two years ago, when he was employed by witness for about two mouths. He returned to his employ last harvest, and remained six weeks, and left about five weeks ago. When he was leaving, witness paid him L 7. Witness saw deceased about a fortnight ago passing the Junetion Hotel. He asked for work, but witness refused to give him any. He was about fifty years of age, and was a heavy drinker. By a Juror : Deceased was always of sound mind while in my employ. Bridget O'Donnell, boarding-house-keeper, deposed that she saw the body of the deceased yesterday, and she then thought she recognised it. Deceased came to her place last Saturday four weeks, about 9 o'clock in the evening. He asked for a bed, and witness gave him a " shakedown." He had had.a drink or two, but he was not drunk. He left after having breakfast on Sunday morning. Witness pointed out a swag that deceased had left to Detective Livingstone. Deceased had been once or twice previously to her place, and was very quiet. He had bed and breakfast, for which he did not pay. Detective Livingstone deposed that he searched the swag of deceased on the Bth inst., and found a testament and pocketbook. The name " Donald M'lnnes" was written in both books.

Charles Adams, a laborer in the employment of John Orr, deposed that yesterday he saw something in the Lagoor resembling a man's head, and at once informed Sergeant Beatty.

Sergt. Beatty deposed that he searched the body of deceased ancl found only a knife and a piece of soap in a small calico bag. Medical testimony was given by Dr. De Lautour to the effect that he had made a post mortem examination of the body. There were 110 external signs of violence, and the body appeared to have been in the water three or four weeks. He had examined the head and neck, as the head appeared to be very moveable, but could find no signs of dislocation. Death had been caused bj drowning. The jury, without retiring, found a verdict of " Found Drowned," with a rider to the effect that the Coroner be requested to point out to the responsible parties the necessity of having the lagoon properly fenced in.