H.—4la

1903. NEW ZEALAND.

"REPORTS FOR CORONER" AND CORONERS' INQUESTS (PARTICULARS OF) IN THE FOUR PRINCIPAL DISTRICTS.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 4th August, 1903. Ordered, ''That there be laid before this House a return showing (1) the total number of 'reports for Coroner' submitted by the police or others to the Coroners in each of the Districts of Auckland, Wellington, Chritchurch, and Dunedin from the Ist April, 1901, to the 31st March, 1903; (2) the total number of cases in which, after considering such ' reports for Coroner,' and after making preliminary inquiries, the Coroner in each of such districts during the said period has decided to dispense, with the holding of an inquest; and (3) the total number of inquests occupying more than one day, and the number of days occupied by adjourned inquests."—(Mr. Baume.)

Rettjbn showing (1) the Total Number of "Reports for Coroner" submitted by the Police (or Others) to the Coroners in each of the Districts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin from the Ist April, 1901, to the 31st March, 1903 ; (2) the Total Number of Cases in which, after considering such " Reports for Coroner," and after making Preliminary Inquiries, the Coroner in each of such Districts during the said Period has decided to dispense with the Holding of an Inquest; and (3) the Total Number of Inquests occupying more than One Day. and the Number of Days occupied by Adjourned Inquests. 1. The total number of " reports for Coroner " submitted by the police (or others) to the Coroners in each of the Districts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin from the Ist April, 1901, to the 31st March, 1903 :— Auckland ... ... 314 Christchurch ... ... 280 Wellington .. ... 211 Dunedin ... ... 238 2. The total number of cases in which, after considering such "reports for Coroner," and after making preliminary inquiries, the Coroner in each of such districts during the said period has decided to dispense with the holding of an inquest:— Auckland ... ... 31 Christchurch ... ... 22 Wellington ... ... 37 Dunedin ... ... 11 3. The total number of inquests occupying more than one day:— Auckland ... ... 25 Christchurch ... ... 8 Wellington ... ... 5 Dunedin ... ... 3 The number of days occupied by adjourned inquests : — Auckland ... ... 73 Christchurch ... ... 8 Wellington ... ... 11 Dunedin ... ... 6 Department of Justice, Wellington. F. Waldegbave, Under-Secretary. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), 18s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price 3d.]