CORONER'S INQUEST.

West Coast Times, Issue 635, 7 October 1867, Page 3

CORONER'S INQUEST.

« 'An inquest was held on Saturday morning, at the Empire Hotel, before Dr Boswick, Coroner, on view of the body of Mr Henry Taylor, who was drowned in crossing the Wainini river. The following is, the evidence taken : — John M'Leod deposed — I am a cattle dealer. On Wednesday last, I, accompanied by deceased, went up the Cliristchurch ropcl. Mr M'Farlane left us at Harcourt's Ferry, on the Aralmra river. I put deceased across in the ferry boat, and led his horse across the river for fear of accidents. "We proceeded on our journey, and were informed at Harcourfc's upper store that Mr MTarlanc had passed at dusk, he was then two hours ahead of us. On coming to the "Wninini, I told deceased that I was afraid the creek was too high to eross — he replied, " You know M'Lrod is i 3 a curious river that would stop me." I said, "as you are so anxious to go on, I will go in first, and if I find it safe and fordable I shall be able to advise you to come on. I went into the creek, and when I was about halfv/ny across I was carried under water with my horse, and washed against a log on the other side. I jumped on to the log and pulled my horse out by the bridle. I then cooeyod, but receiving no answer, I mounted my horse and rode down the other side of the crei'k to the river but could sen nothing of deceased or his hoi'3e. I again coouyed, but received no answer. Then, as I could not trust my Lorso to cross the river again, I rode on to the Taipo as fast as I could. I told Mr Greville what had happened, and inquired whether Mr MTarlane had passed. Greville replied that he had neither seen nor heard of him. The night at that time was very - dark and stormy. Mr Greville and I started the next morning and found deceased's body on a spit in the Teremekau. Ifc was so dark when deceased and I reached the "Wainini that we could not see whether it v, a-3 safe to cross or not. The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental j Death." The remains of the deceased gentleman were interred yesterday in the Cemetery. A large number of the citizens testified their respect for Mr Tj.ylor'3 memory by follow ing his body to its last resting place. Tho fimoi.it cortege left the Empire Hotel at two o'clock.