INQUEST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9138, 10 June 1891, Page 4

INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of William Duthie, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon last, was held at the Empire Hotel yesterday afternoon before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of bix, of whom Mr C. Bills was appointed foreman.

Isabella M'MUlan deposed that she recognised the body shown to the jury as that of William Duthie. Deceased was born in Jersey, and had been 28 .years in New Zealand. He was a widower, and carried on the confectionery business ever since he came to the colony. About five weeks ago be was attended to for his liver by Dr iEeimer. Since then deceased was apparently much better, and did not complain at all of illness. On Sunday he got np as usual about 9 o'clock and had his breakfast, after which he went to church. At 1230 p.m. he dined, and shortly after 2 he went out for a walk, Mrs M'Millan and witness accompanying him. They went into Castle street and returned by St. Andrew street. Witness was walking on ahead for about the distance of one block when a boy cams up and told her that deceased had taken a fit. Witness went back and found the deceased being carried into Mr Wilson's honse. He was then breathing very heavily and was gasping. A few minutes afterwards he died. Dr Macpherson was sent for and arrived in about five minutes. Witness never knew the deceased to have a fit before. He was 71-years of age.

Dr Macpherson said he was called to Mr Wilson's house at about 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. Witness bad no doubt that death resulted from apoplexy.

Mrs M'Millan deposed thai she was with the deceased on Sunday afternoon. As they were walking along the street she noticed him tepping his chest with his hand, and then touching his forehead. Witness asked him what was the matter, and be replied that he did not know. He caught hold of the fence, and, as witness caw that he wag going to fall, she assisted him to the ground. A gentleman came up and deceased was carried to Mr Wilson's house opposite, A verdict of "Death from natural oaußes" was returned.