INQUEST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13136, 21 November 1904, Page 7

INQUEST.

An inquest-was held r.t the Sussex Boardingbouse, George sireet, on Saturday before Mr C. C. G rahani, coroner, and a jury of six on tho body -of Frederick 0. Bakor, who died suddenly on Friday morning. George Charles Bakc-r, brothor of deceased, said that diseased was a widower with no family, and 47 years of age. His health had rot been good within the last three or Jour years. Sinco his wife's death five years ago Iris habits had been a tittle irregular. Dr B. E. Do Lantern said that ho knew deceased very well. He attended him professionally in March, J9O-3. He was then suffering from acuto alcoholism a.nd : degeneration of the heart. Witno3s had no doubt that death was duo to fatty degeneration of tho heart, accelerated by ailcoholio indulgence to excess. John M. innes, proprietor of the Sussex Boarding-house, saiitha4 deceased had boarded with him for about £vo years and a-half. Witness know that he was suffering from a weak heart. Deceased took periodical fits of overindulgence in alcoholio stimulants, ami witness had tried hard to keep him way from drink. Deceased did his drinking outside. Ho sometimes brought in a small I flask for a Sunday, but always tried to keep it out of witness's sight. Witness tried io get deceased to go to lied at about 8 o'clock on Thursday evening, lint it was no use. Ho wont out, and was brought back about 10 o'clock. Witness was told on Friday morning that there was something wrong with Mt Baker. He came downstairs, and found deccasedklend in tha smokingrcom. Sergeant Higgins also gave evidence. 1 he jury returned a verdict in accordance \iththe medical testimony.