INQUEST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12403, 12 July 1902, Page 12

INQUEST.

An inquest touching the death oi Dngalcl M'Niven, who died suddenly in George street on Thursday, was held at the Leviathan Hotel yesterday before Mr ]2. H. Clarcw, coroner. Sir J Miller was chosen foreman of the jury. George Gilroy, farmer, Stirling, identified cho body as that of Ditg&ld M'Niven, formerly a blacksmith at Balclutha. .Witness was<(deceased's brother-in-law, Deceased was born in Argylshire, Scotland, and arrived in New Zealand about 1867. Ho was a single mun, and had retired from work, living in Diinedin about six years. At one time, about three years ago, deceased suffered from heart trouble. Deceased was GO. years old in December last. 'Patrick Hally, bootmaker, George street, stated that deceased had been a- friend'of his for about 10 years. On the previous morning 'deceased entered '.vitness's shop at about 11.15, o'clock, and ssemed then in good health .and spirits. Witness and deceased were - talking about five minute 3 when witness' saw deceased in the act of falling forward. He had been sitting on a stool. Witness caught him and laid him. on the floor, and immediately telephoned for n doctor. Witness and others tried to restore consciousness, but their efforts were in vain, and ill.a minute or two the deceased was dead. Deceased had been gasping for breath. Witness understood that deceased had some heart table. Deceased had been a very temperate in every, resuect. Dr M'Pherson gave evidence as to being called,into Hally's shop and se'ing deceased. Evidently life had just- become extinct. Witness examined the body, but found.no action of the heart at all. There w«e no outward signs to show the cause of death. Witness would say that death was due to an affection o the heart, and fromtho evidence and history ot tha case lie would s?v death was more promL heart disease than to apoplexy. The, Jury returned a verdict in accordance' with the medical testimony.