Inquests.

New Zealand Police Gazette, Volume XVIII, Issue 20, 3 October 1894, Page 157

Inquests.

Picton. —On the 2nd ultimo the body of a man, name unknown, was found on the ranges between Shakespeare and Ngakutu Bays. Description: A white man, about twentyfive years of age, sft. 6in. or 7in. high, medium build, fair complexion, fair hair cut short, clean-shaved except small sandy moustache, two molar teeth at back of top right jaw missing, and front incisor of lower jaw also missing, all the other teeth in good preservation; dressed in darktweed trousers with small faint crossed stripes, merino drawers, saddle-strap as a waistbelt, dark-tweed sac-coat (or jumper) and vest, white shirt, thick woollen socks, and blackfelt wideawake hat. A silver Waltham hunting-watch, No. 2639659, albert chain, clasp-knife, wooden pipe, and bone shirtstud were found on the body, also, at the side, a revolver, with which he appears to have shot himself through the left chest, and an umbrella. At an inquest held on the 4th ultimo a verdict of “ Suicide whilst suffering from temporary insanity” was returned.

Waitotara. —On the 19th ultimo the body of a man, unknown, was found on the beach about five miles south of the Waitotara River. Description: Between forty and fifty years of age, sft. 7in. or Bin. high ; had an opening, apparently of some years’ standing, in the left temple-bone, a little above and behind the ear, about fin. by £in., more or less circular in shape; marks (supposed tattooed) on chest; hair, teeth, and lower jaw missing. It is thought deceased may have been one of the crew of the wrecked schooner “ Christine.” At an inquest held on the 21st ultimo a verdict of “ Found drowned ” was returned.