SIX THOUSAND INQUESTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19218, 8 July 1924, Page 4

SIX THOUSAND INQUESTS.

AX ENGLISH COBONER'S RECORD. _ Dr Cradoek's announced inlo.ntion to retire immediately from tho coroncrship of Somerset, having just completed it is sixthouaaudth inquest and his ninetieth year, will be regretted by members of tho Western Circuit, who remember him as a picturesque, somewhat old-world figure in his court near Bath (writes a correspondent of tho Manchester Guardian). He has boon engaged in holding Inquests for 62 years, five as deputy coroner, and 57 as coroner, and has held twice as many inquests as any other living holder of his office. When Dr CTadock was first appointed the office of coroner was elective; it was not then necessary for him lo be either a lawyer or a doctor, but had to possess a freehold estate within the sphere of its duties and was elected by bis fellow-freeholders of (be county. The right of election was transferred 40 years ago to tho county councils and borough councils, lint ever coroner must still become a freeholder after election and before commencement of his duties. In practice (his qualification is purely nominal; solicitors will arrange the necessary conveyance of a freehold interest in land, subject to a trust in favour of (he. present owner, on payment of a small fee. The coroner is far and awav the oldest in historical duration of all Pril'°h judjend officers. Ills beginnings are lest in the obscurity of Anglo-Saxon times, and 'William (he Conqueror made vigorous use of his services as a holder of innuests in l.l;e compile* inn of “Doomsday Book.” His duties then included I’olh his present tasks — namelv, inquiries into fatal accidents and into the ownership of “treasure trove,” and also another which become obsolete—namr.lv, the inqnirv int-o a Mibieet’s inont 1° end alleged evasion of taxes. IVrlm.ps Mr Snowdon mav revive this duty in hi? anxiety lo sec* that no one escapes full assessment- to snnor-lnx I Dr Cradook Ms lived through pi) the rhantres which 50 years of reform have made in the metdenU ;*T'd apnnnaco’s of his ancient office. T<>-fjav he is paid V>v it salarv in IMn of fees: there was a time when onrormrs relied fer a livelihood on th° rooeir.t of fe»>s Mr enrh inonest held, Such a svstem rather tended to sliirndale excess of zeal.