CORONER'S STRICTURES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17175, 27 October 1926, Page 12

CORONER'S STRICTURES

THE SLY-GROGGER. "APOLOGY FOE A MAN." (Per Press Association.) ASHBUBTON, last night. The inquest into the death of Bridget McGinn, who was found drowned in the Ashburton river last Thursday afternoon, was continued before the coroner, Mr. James Cow, to-day.

The coroner found that Mrsf. McGinn committed suicide by drowning, and from the evidence brought he had come to the conclusion that, the Continued drinking habits and cruelty of her husband so played upon her mind that at the time of her death her mental condition was such that she was not responsible for her actions.

Addressing deceased's husband after giving the verdict, the coroner said he was sorry a man had descended so lowHhat he should be under the influence of drink, and so not in a fit state to identify his wife's body. "I would like to deal with the slygroggcr who was Waiting outside the hospital gates with a bottle Of whisky," said Mr. Cow. "He is an apology of a man, who is walking about in man's clothing. Why don't you go back to the ' island, or do. something that will retrieve your manhood. Do try to pick yourself up. You are only 36 years of age, so that you', have time to do it. Keep away from these sly-groggcrs. I met tlio sly-grogger in question, outside the hospital gates, and he had tho audacity to say ho gave him the whisky free of charge." "I never had any money," intorjeetcd McGinn,', ' "You ought to apologise to the court for the state you. were in at the hospital," said the coroner.

"I do apologise to the court," said McGinn. "I did not know the inquest was going to be held before 0 o'clock next morning."