BODY IN HARBOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1932, Page 3

BODY IN HARBOUR

AN AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER’S DEATH

Was foul play responsible for the death of Lennox Fergus Edmond, & single man, aged 31, years, a commercial traveller and well known in Otago athletic circles, whose body was found floating in the Auckland harbour *t Devonport on July ol Evidence given at the inquest did not clear up the mystery, and the coroner said that although the body wa» found in the harbour, it appeared that death was not due to drowning. Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain and concussion as the result of a blow or a fall. .The skull was not fractal'’ ed, but there were two bruises. “It is, of course, possible that the isJuries were sustained by a fall; but the position of the bruises—one on th* right temple and one on the back of . the head—does not indicate conclusively that death was the result of * fall,” the coroner continued. “When deceased left his residence on the night of June 19 he must have had at least 2s 6d on him, but that could have fallen through a hole in his pocket.” The verdict was that there was n® evidence to show how the injuries were received and that there was also n® evidence to suggest suicide (the verdict being in accordance with medical testimony). ' Constance Nellie Bates, a saleswoman, said on the night of June 19 Mr. Edmond left witness at the foot of the stairs after saying good-night. As they entered the house Mr. Edmond complained of having a headache, but otherwise he was in good health and was bright and cheerfuL She did not see Mr. Edmond again after that.