SUDDEN DEATH AT PORT CHALMERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2057, 27 July 1893, Page 10

SUDDEN DEATH AT PORT CHALMERS.

An inquest was held at the Courthouse, Pore Chalmefß, on Thursday afternooß, s before M Coroner Carew and a jury of six, on the body of Sarah Ann Smith, who died the previous day, Thomas Smith, labourer, residing at Port Chalmers, stated that deceased was his wife. She was 59 years of age, a native of London, and had been about 31 years in the colony. Witness last saw tier alive on Tuesday night, just before going to bed. She complained of a cold in the chest,' but otherwise she was in- " good health. Latterly she had "given way to drink. James Eadie, a carpenter, deposed that about noon on Wednesday he arrived at home, where he found his wife and deceased. They, were both under the influence of liquor. • May Eadie, wife of the lastwitneES, said that deceased came to her house on Wednesday morning. Witness did not feel well, and went for a shilling's worth of brandy. She and Mrs Smith drank -of the brandy. They had no, more drink after that. Afterwards witness fell . asleep, and when she awoke deceased wafl sitting on the floor with her hack against the table. Witness called to her twice, tout got no answer. She then found that Mrs Smith wad. dead. _ Margaret Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, and daughter-in-law of the deceased, gave evidence that before 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning the latter left home for Mrs Eadie's. ' She saw them bothabout 11.30 a.m., when they appeared to be under the influence of drink. About 2.20/ p.m. Mrs Eadie came to her and said, "The old woman is dead."' Witness went to Mr* Eadie's house, and saw Mrs Smith sitting oa the floor, with her back against the table. There was froth about her mouth, but she did - not move. Dr Hendry was, sent for* and pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased had taken drink on the previous day. Evidence was also given by Sarah Ann Dougherty, Sergeant Neil], and Dr Hendry. The latter stated that death was probably dud to suffocation. . * A verdict of "Accidental death from suffoca^ tion" was returned. ,