Coroners’ Inquests.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8132, 16 January 1895, Page 2

Coroners’ Inquests.

SUPPOSED MURDER. (Bv Telegraph.) WAIMATE, January 15. At the inquest to-day on the body of the man who was found dead at Waihao on Saturday, a number of witnesses gave evidence. The deceased’s name is supposed to be Thomas Sullivan. The doctor’s evidence showed that the large bone of the left leg was broken and splintered below the knee. The right collar bone was smashed, and there was a wound on the skull about an inch in diameter. The whole of the injuries seem to have been caused by a blunt instrument. The inquiry, which was conducted by Major Keddell, was adjourned until Monday next. There is good cause to suppose that the unfortunate man was the victim of foul play.

An inquest was held at the Courthouse, Temuka, yesterday, before 0. A. Wray, Coroner, touching the death of Charles Handersen. The following jury was empannelled;—Messrs W. Storey, A. S. Jenkins, J. McGrath, J. Nisbett, J. Marshall, and J. Elder. The evidence led went to amplify the report of the circumstances of the death as given by us yesterday. The deceased was found very ill in a paddock on the Arowhenua estate, where he had been cook since 1893, by Messrs Rae and Mackay, and removed to the men’s hut. Dr Hayes was called in, and the man was given every attention. Dr Hayes in his evidence ascribed death to the fact of deceased suffering from a low continued fever, probably influenza, owing to which, in a state of mental aberration, he may have lain down, not actually knowing where he was. His death would be accelerated by exposure on Saturday night, which was very wet. The jmy returned a verdict of death from natural causes, no blame being attributable to anyone.