FOUND DROWNED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11763, 29 July 1916, Page 7

FOUND DROWNED.

John M'llwrnith, farmer, forty-sis years of age, residing at Lakeside, was found drowned in the river Avon near the Carlton Bridge this morning. The deceased had been staying with friends in Christchurch.

An inquest was held at the Morguo this afternoon, before Mr H. W. Bishop, District Coroner. William Munro Smith, farmer, bro-ther-in-law of deceased, said deceased had been staying with him at 18, Heaton lload, Merivale, for about six weeks. Prior to that deceased was for three weeks an inmate of Lewisham Hospital. Deceased suffered with pains in his stomach, and was anxious concerning his health. The Coroner remarked that the report of deceased's medical attendant showed that deceased was a hypochondriacal subject. Witness, continuing, said that deceased showed no suicidaJ tendencies. Deceased was in good spirits yesterday, and want into town about 4.30 p.m. to do some shopping. Witness did net see him again alive. Deceased had no financial or family troubles, and' was a very temperate man. Robert Beria Greer, gardener at " Elmwood," said he saw deceased yesterday at 4.30 p.m., outside the residence of the last witness. _ Witness passed the time of day " with deceased, but there was no further conversation. Albert Riley, motor mechanic, said he saw the body of deceased in the river at 7.40 a.m. that day, thirty yards below the Carlton Bridge. The body was face downwards. Witness and another irma took the body ont of the water, and informed the police. A verdict, was returned that decreased was found drowned, there being nu evidence to show how he got into the water.