INQUEST.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2952, 11 September 1882, Page 3

INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of John Duncan was held to-day at the Hospital, at 2 o’clock, before the Coroner, J. Bes- • wick, Esq.. The . .following jury was ■worn in Messrs T. Dillon (foreman), C. T. Vogeler, A. Wilson, D. Shea, H. Hird, J. Stansell. T. Flaherty, T. Q-ieze, 8, Anderson, C. Kelly, W. Morgan, W, Powell, T. Byers, and G. Bezzant. The following evidence was taken:— John Dougins, baker, employer of deceased, deposed to having seen deceased about 11 o’clock on the night of the accident., A little after three in the morning, he went to the bakehouse, and found deceased in dames, on his hands and knees. He called Mr Hope’s as- , sistance, and Drs. Maointyre and Lovegrove came in shortly after. Deceased was removed to the hospital, • He remarked that he supposed the fire came from his pipe. He had a burnt cigar in ..his. pocket. Ho appeared to be in liquor when found burning. Witness had no reason to suspect foul play. Austin Kirby, detective, remembered deceased speaking to him about a quarter past twelve on the. Sunday morning in i Church street. He was then very drunk. Witness advised him to 'go home, and he went off towards Mr Douglas’ premises. He saw him again at noon, in the Hospital. Deceased was then unable to account for being on fire, and supposed it was through a cigar or pipe. , Dr Hassall,, medical officer at the ■Hospital, said ho remembered deceased being brought in, severely burned. There were no marks of violence, except those of the burns on chest, backj and ; arms, and the whole front of the trunk in fact. The appearances were con. sistent with ; the statement ■ that his clothes had caught fire. He appeared to have been drinking; He died about five this morning from the effects of the burns.

The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental death.” ;