THE AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11643, 22 August 1905, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

The Inquest.

(Per United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Augiist 21. The circumstances surroimding the death of James Poulton at his residence in Wellesley street, were inquired- into by the Coroner yesterday afternoon, and the evidence certainly added to the mystery of the affair, and was also of such a sensational character as, iv the opinion of the Coroner, to justify further and most exhaustive inquiries. Dr. Girdler, who made a post mortem examination, said there was nothing in the appearance of the body to indicate foul play. The cause of" death was failure of an enlarged and fatty heart, accelerated by congestion of the lungs and kidneys. It was quite possible, in the condition of the man's heart, for a mental shock to hasten death. A blow or a fall would do it. Dr. Murphy, who had attended the deceased for paralysis and heart trouble, said the deceased waß on the verge of death at any moment. Mrs Charlotte McPike, who boarded at deceased^ house, stated that she was aroused from her sleep by a knock at her window. She saw two men outside, who asked for rooms. She refused to admit them. Poulton subsequently went to the door, but the men were gone. Later on two men appeared. She recognised the voices as those of the previous visitors. Poulton wnt out and asked what they were doing there at that time of night. • They refused to go, and Poulton said he would put them out. Witness heard them walking into Poulton's room. They seemed to be pushing Poulton in front of them. WitTiess did not see any struggle, but could hear it all plainly. She heard some swearing, and Poulton said: "What — you would strike me, would you?" One man then went outside aud the other said, "Take that, you old ." Witness heard a blow and Poulton fall. Poulton never spoke after that. She- then saw the two men standing outside. One, whose voice she heard for the first time, said, "Did you settle him?" The other replied, "I think I have done for the old ." Those in tho hou3e, with the exception of the deceased, had been drinking. The inquest was adjourned till Monday to allow the police to make further inquiries.