INQUEST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4872, 11 December 1883, Page 4

INQUEST.

» An inquest was held at Kaiapoi on Monday, before Mr James Huree, J.P., ActingCoroner, and a jury of fourteen, of whioh Mr H. J. Day was foreman, touohing the death of Mr Joseph Fantham, who was drowned in Stewart's Gully, near Kaiapoi, on Deo. 5. Henry Smith, hotelkeeper, at White's Bridge, deposed that 'the deceased, in company with a man named NesbiU, called fit his house on Wedueßctay evaniEg, and left alone, driving ia a spring tra;\ Did not again see him alive. Deceased was slightly the worse for- liquor when he Called, but was better when he left. He did not think there was any danger in letting him cross the river alone. 'Ihe oroesiDg is a dangerous one at any time. Bobert Nesbilt deposed having driven from Addington yards with the dcceised, on tho day beforo mentioned. Left deceased at Smith's Hotel. He had some ginger ale. Fantbam was not incapable, but hud had liquor. George Fantham, 13 years of age, said : He was Bon of deceased. Waß driving out the oo wo on Deo. 6. Saw his father in the trap in the river. Deceased called to witness who ran for assistance. Met John Pholan, who went into the river but oould cot got at j deceased. Saw his father floating down the etream. Was present when the body was recovered. John Phelan, sworn : Was a labourer employed on Fuothain'a farm. Waa called by previous witness to fho r>vt;r. Kan down and saw deceased flosi'iiig. Witness owam out after him but could not get him, the current boing too strong. Tho lide waß high. The crossing is a very dangerous one. Edward Fantham corroborated above evidonce. Witness aioo swam out. Constable Morgan eaid he was called on Wednesday evening to Stewart's. Gully. Searched for the body on Dec. 6, 7 and 8, and recovered same at 4, p.m. on Saturday, in about Bft of w->ter. Conveyed it to the morgue Found £15 nnd other property on deceased. The body is identified as that of Joseph Fantham. The jury, after uorre little consideration, returned a verdict, " Wrownod by accident," and added the following rider:— "That it was of opinion that an immediato representation should ho made to the Government, pointing out tho dangerous nature of the ford, showing the absolute necessity for the erection of a railway siding about midway between the Waimakariri and Stewart's Gully railway bridges, in order to afford the farmers a safe meant of orossing the river."