EXTRACTION

In another part of our columns will be found the report of an inquest held on Wednesday last, at the residence of Mr John Bloink, Birch’s Creek, on the body of John Schimmel, a native of Hesse (Germany), 26 years of age, who died on his way to the Ballarat Hospital, in consequence of injuries received through a blast having accidentally gone off in a shaft at Rocky Lead, Bullarook, where he was mining, on the 16^th instant. John Peter Jones, who was working in the shaft at the same time, was also seriously injured. He was taken to the Ballarat Hospital, where he safely arrived. Hopes are entertained of his recovery. We may here point out the danger of the practice of ramming down powder with iron rods, as in this instance, subsequently mentioned by Jones in the Ballarat Hospital, the powder caught fire through a spark having been produced by the motion. The fuse had not yet been lighted. To prevent future accidents copper tamping rods should be used. The mortal remains of the deceased were, on Wednesday, conveyed to the Creswick Cemetery, followed by a large number of mines from the Rocky Lead, (about 80), who, to show their esteem for their departed friend, discontinued work as soon as the news of the accident spread. We are sorry to hear that deceased has left an affianced bride to whom he was going to be married about Christmas, she is reported to feel the sudden loss very acutely, and temporarily refuses to listen to consolation offered by kind neighbors. We hope that the healing power of time will gradually pour balm on her wounds.

An inquest was held on Wednesday, by Mr W B Lees, the district coroner, at the house of Mr John Bloink, Birch’s Creek, near the bridge, on the body of John Schimmel, a German miner, who died the previous day in consequence of injuries received whilst blasting in a claim at Rocky Lead, Bullarook. The following is the evidence:-

Peter Charles Winter sworn - Am a miner, residing on Rocky Lead, Bullarook. Have known the deceased for the last three years. He was my working mate. John Peter Jones, the deceased and myself have been working a claim on the Rocky Lead for the last four weeks. Yesterday morning we went to work as usual . John Peter Jones and the deceased went down the shaft, and I remained on the top. My duty was to send down powder, fuse, &c. About ten o’clock yesterday forenoon, at the request of Jones and deceased, I sent down some powder and fuse. They had matches in their pockets. I looked down the shaft, and saw them load one blast and begin another. A few minutes after I heard the explosion, whilst I was at the top of the shaft. I immediately looked down the shaft, and noticed the hammer that I had seen in Jones’s hand a few minutes previous, within a few inches of the top of the shaft, sticking between two logs. I could see nothing more for smoke, but heard the groans of the deceased and Jones. I cried out to them asking if they could come up. I got no answer. I then obtained the assistance of Williams and Smith, and was lowered down. In consequence of the smoke I could not see, but I felt them. I found one man on one side of the shaft and the other on the other. I raised Jones up first, finding able to stand. I asked him if he could go up by himself; he replied that he could. I then put him in the bucket, and he was taken up. I then raised up the deceased, but found him unable to stand. I went up in the same bucket with him. I found that his right leg was quite loose, and hanging down. He complained very much of his leg. He did not say anything of haw the accident happened. He was quite sensible, and could speak. He had a cut on his forehead. His hands, arms, and face were quite black, as if he had been burned with gunpowder. As soon as I got deceased up, I sent for a doctor. Deceased and Jones requested to be taken to Ballarat Hospital. A man named Morris and myself then got a cart, and took Jones and deceased. On our way to the hospital we met Dr Daniel, who had come out to see deceased. He told me that we could not move deceased any further, as he was dying. He then ordered me to put the deceased into the tent where he now is. It was about two o’clock when Dr Daniel came out here yesterday. He remained with deceased until he died. Deceased died about four o’clock yesterday afternoon. I was with him until he died. He was sensible up to his death. We had no conversation as to how the accident happened. Jones was taken in to the hospital by his brother. The shaft is only twenty feet deep. We were only seven feet in the rock. Both deceased and Jones were well accustomed to blasting. I believe the accident happened when they were ramming the second blast. I examined the shaft after the accident, and found the first blast was still there. I do not think Jones or deceased ever smoked in the shaft. When I last looked down the shaft previous to the accident there was no light in the shaft. Deceased is unmarried, and has been working on the Rocky Lead diggings for the last 18 months. Both Jones and deceased were steady sober men. Saw Jones and deceased speaking to each other a few minutes previous to the accident.

Conrad Schmidt sworn - Am a miner. Residing on Rocky Lead. Have known the deceased for the last two years. Yesterday morning was working on Rocky Lead, when Winter, the last witness, came and told me and my mate that a shot had gone off in his shaft, and that Jones and the deceased were below. My mate and self went with Winter, and immediately lowered him down. He then said he could not see anything for smoke. In a few minutes after he sent up Jones. Jones told me he could come up himself. We then pulled him up. Subsequently, Winter brought up deceased. Deceased told me the address of his brother-in-law. I was in the shaft after the accident happened. I did not see any signs of the shaft having been carelessly worked. I know Jones, deceased, and Winter to be steady and respectable men.

Dr Daniel on affirmation - Am a legally qualified medical practitioner, residing at Creswick. I was sent for to see deceased yesterday, about one o’clock. I was on my way to see deceased and Jones, when I met them. I was then told they were being taken to the hospital. I examined the deceased and found him to be quite pulseless and sinking. I had him taken out of the dray, and put into the house where he now lies. He said he could not live. He complained very much of his leg. I …. Him in the bush. I went to the nearest place and got some brandy for deceased. He took it, and wished to be removed to where he could get a little rest. I found him suffering from fracture of the skull, and compound comminuted fracture of the right thigh. There were also severe burns on the arms, &c. I set his leg, giving him stimulants and attending him. I remained with him until he died, at about four o’clock. He gradually sunk. I believe deceased died from the shock to the nervous system. I consider removing deceased after the accident accelerated his death. I believe deceased had internal injuries, but what I have described were sufficient to cause death.

The jury returned the following verdict: - "The deceased, John Schimmel, died at Rocky Lead diggings, Bullarook, from severe injuries and shock to the nervous system, caused by a blast having accidentally gone off in a shaft where deceased was engaged in mining."

See Schimmel, John

See Fawcett, Thos

See Fell, William

See Snell, Samuel

The District Coroner held an inquest, on the 13^th inst., on the body of William Scott, who died suddenly, at his residence Mr Davies’s, Bridge Hotel. The evidence of Messrs Davies and Gibbs went to ? that the deceased was of very intemperate ? and had been in had health for some time ?.Doctor Roche performed a post mortem examination, and stated the cause of death to be ple?? Accelerated by excessive use of strong drink and unsound syphilitic constitution. Verdict "Died from natural causes, viz. Pleuritis accelerated by intemperance." We have heard the deceased was at one time in good circumstances, having held a situation in a bank.

See Fenwick, Capt

See Loo Ching, Fung Laned

See Barclay, James

See Robertson, Female Infant

See Loo Ching, Fung Laned

See Mamford, Infant girl

See Schimmel, John

See Jones, Male Infant

Inquest. - W B Lees, Esq, the District Coroner, held an inquest on Friday last at the Cumberland Hotel, Smeaton, on the body of the man who died suddenly near the gate leading into the stableyard of the hotel. Evidence was taken detailing the facts mentioned in a former issue of this paper, when the jury returned a verdict that death resulted from sanguineous apoplexy. Deceased’s name was George Smith, supposed age 45 years.

An inquest was held on Saturday last, at the Farmer’s Arms Hotel, Smeaton, by Mr W B Lees, the District Coroner, on the body of James Smith, a gardener, aged 53 years, unmarried, 35 years in the colony, who was found drowned. Mr Anthony Dockery gave evidence that he had known the deceased for the last eight months. He had left his employ about three months ago, saw him the last time about six weeks ago. He was of very intemperate habits. Richard Jones identified the body. Dr Roche examined the body and found two scalp wounds, which might have been occasioned by a fall. The skull was uninjured. He believed the body of deceased to have been in the water more than a fortnight. Constable Gowan deposed that he had searched the body, found a knife, a purse and a shilling on his person. From the position in which the deceased was found, believes that he had fallen from a rock fifteen feet high into the creek. Verdict - Deceased was found drowned, on the 21^st November. The Jury are of the opinion that he was accidentally drowned about 2 weeks ago.

See Fawcett, Thos

See Stoker, Mrs

See Snell, Samuel

See Snell, Samuel

Accidentally Drowned. - An inquest was held on Friday morning last, before W B Lees, Esq., District Coroner, at Mr Snell’s near the bridge, Back Creek road, on the body of Samuel Snell, aged 12 months, who, on the preceding day, was drowned in a hole that had been dug at the rear of the house at the commencement of winter as a cellar for a dairy, but which unfortunately had not been fenced in. Only two witnesses were called. Mary Ann Snell, mother of the deceased, deposed to finding the body of the child in the hole in about ten minutes after she last saw him alive, to the treatment she adopted to restore animation, and to sending for Dr Schmidt. Harriet Hickmott deposed to having heard the mother of the child scream, in rendering assistance to put the child in warm water, and in sending for Dr Schmidt. The Coroner then addressed the jury. After pointing to the evidence that showed that death was the result of accident, he directed their attention to the unprotected state of the place in which the body of the child was found, and commented in strong terms on such negligence. Verdict, "Accidentally drowned."

Mining Accident - On Saturday, Mr W B Lees, the district coroner, held and inquest at Mr Beveridge’s hay and corn store, Spring Hill, on the body of Carl Sonderberg, a miner, aged about 30, who died on Friday in consequence of injuries received through the falling in of a claim. From the evidence taken it appeared that the deceased, who was a native of Sweden, Louis Northby, and Wm Underwood, were working together about nine o’clock on Friday morning in Beveridge’s claim, Spring Gully. They were taking the face of the ground, about 14 feet from the surface, and had just filled a truck to go down to the machine when Louis Northby saw the earth give way. He cried out and himself and Underwood escaped, whilst a large quantity of earth fell on the deceased. Steps were promptly taken to get Soderberg out, and when released he was still alive, although greatly suffering. He was at once taken to Beveridge’s store, and Dr Daniel was sent for, who arrived soon after the accident, and applied the remedies usual in such cases. Dr Daniel deposed at the inquest that he found the deceased suffering from compound fracture of the lreft leg below the knee, and a fracture of the thigh of the right leg. Both bones of the right arm were broken. The spine was severely injured. There was a wound on the head, and part of the ear was torn off. There was also a deep wound on the left cheek, three or four ribs broken, and several internal injuries. Deceased died about three hours after the accident, - at 12 o’clock - and did not blame anyone. The shock the nervous system had received and the injuries to the spine were quite sufficient to cause death. Deceased, who was working for wages, had left no money - a statement which was corroborated by Constable Hamilton, who searched the pockets, but found nothing. Deceased lived in a tent with George Gray, who, together with Underwood, one of the three mates, gave evidence. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

See Filling, John Henry

An inquest was held by Mr W B Lees, the District Coroner on Saturday last, at Smeaton, on the body of Wm Spence, farmer, who was killed on Thursday the 30^th October, by the fall from his horse. Deceased was quite sober when the accident occurred. Dr Roche made the post mortem examination. The funeral took place on Sunday last, and was one of the largest seen in that locality. Eighty horsemen, vehicles of all descriptions, and a large number of mourners on foot followed the mortal remains. The deceased was a native of Aberdeenshire, Parish of Strathdon, a man of temperate habits, and was respected by all who knew him.

See Jones, Male Infant

See Filling, John Henry

See Parker, Matilda

Dr Candler held an inquest on Monday, at Richmond, on the body of Eliza Stevenson, a newly married woman who died suddenly on Saturday morning last, under the following distressing circumstances; - The deceased, who was only married on the previous day, on awakening in the morning suddenly grasped her husband by the arm, sighed heavily, and died immediately. A post mortem examination was held by Dr Rudall, who discovered that the surface of the heart, - chiefly over the right ventricle, - was covered with fatty deposit, which had given way to fatty degeneration to an extraordinary degree. The aortic valves were also diseased, and the two were the cause of death. The jury returned a verdict accordingly. - Argus.

See Grant, Ellen

See Barclay, James

The District Coroner sat, on Friday last, on the body of Mrs May Stewart, aged 33 years, who died the previous evening about eight o’clock, after two hours illness. The husband deposed that about six o’clock in the evening his wife was take ill with headache, and was in a few minutes speechless. He went for a neighbor, Mrs Lawson, and then sent for Mr Coates, who attended immediately, and applied mustard to the feet and legs; but without effect, as deceased died about eight o’clock the same evening. Dr Bunce, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that death was caused by sanguineous apoplexy. Deceased had been married only seven months, and was pregnant.

See Gill, Joseph

An Inquest was held at the Wellington, Hotel, North Clunes, on the body of Samuel Stoddart, who met with his death on the 24^th instant, whilst drawing slabs from the South Pole (abandoned) shaft. J McCallum, Esq, JP acted for the Coroner. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

At the inquest held on the unfortunate woman Stoker, on Friday last, her husband(the prisoner) retained the services of Mr Snape, a solicitor, in Daylesford to watch the case for him. This Mr Snape represented to the coroner, who very courteously permitted Mr Snape for some time to make various observations, but that learned gentleman, taking the ell when only the inch had been allowed him, was checked by the coroner, who informed him that his court was simply one of inquiry, and that he was only permitted to interfere in the proceedings by his (the coroners) sufferance. This led to further remarks from Mr Snape, who was told by the coroner that he would not allow him to interfere further, and if he still persisted he would have him removed. No-ways abashed, Mr Snape inveighed against the exercise of such a power, and was forthwith removed from the room by a policeman. After a short interval Mr S. returned and took his seat and his notes, when the prisoner, touching him on the shoulder, they together went aside, but the prisoner was quickly brought back, and his solicitor further remanded by the coroner, which led to reply, and Mr Snape was ordered by the coroner to be locked up for seven days, and was taken away forthwith into custody by a policeman. This is a plain statement of facts, upon which we leave others to enlighten us. - Daylesford Advocate

An inquest was held on Saturday last at Hammon’s store, on the body of Eliza Strafford, commonly known as "Drunken Liz", who died through a self inflicted wound on the throat. For years the unfortunate woman was addicted to drink and led an abandoned life. Dr Roche, who made the post mortem, deposed to the cause of death, and the jury brought in a verdict in accordance with the evidence. In consequence of the sudden indisposition of our local coroner, Samuel Lewers, Esq, JP, presided at the inquest.

Robert

See Webb, Agnes

See Taylor, Arthur

The result of a magisterial inquiry held at the Smeaton Hotel, on the 18^th inst., to inquire into the cause of death of Thomas Stubbs, found drowned in Hepburn’s Lagoon on the 17^th, was to the effect that he was accidentally drowned. Mr P Curtin, JP presided.

See Hooper, George

See Ogilvie, George

See Loo Ching, Fung Laned

See Lowe, Enoch

The late distressing Accident.- In another part of our columns we give the report of an inquest held on the body of Arthur Taylor, who, in company with Thomas Stubbs, met with a watery grave on Hepburn’s Lagoon on Sunday, the 6^th inst. The body before being discovered had been in the water for five days and a-half. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned while boating." The body was buried in the Creswick Cemetery on Saturday last; Mr Allison, of Kingston, conducted the funeral. Thomas Stubbs, the other missing man, was up to yesterday no yet found. Four rafts are still on the lagoon, steadily searching for the body, and a sharp look out is kept up, as the water is tolerably clear, but hitherto without avail.

On Friday afternoon Mr W B Lees, the District Coroner, held an inquest at the Smeaton Hotel on the body of Arthur Taylor, who had that day been found in the lagoon. The jury having been sworn proceeded to view the body, which bore no indications of the long time it had been in the water, but had more the appearance of a person in a quiet sleep.

The first witness called was George Samuel Taylor, brother of deceased. He deposed to having last seen him alive on Saturday evening. He called on me ( said the witness) on Sunday morning, and I spoke to him, but was sleepy, and believe I did not see him on that occasion. We lived near each other at Kingston. Deceased resided with his mother at the Kingston Hotel. In the morning when he called and wished me to go to the lagoon with him and Thomas Stubbs, I knew previously that they were going duck shooting and to try a boat. I said it was too early. He then left. I went tot he lagoon at three that day to see him. I was there from two to three hours, but did nit see him, for did I see any one else on the water. Several parties were walking about the spot. I asked one Fletcher if had seen them? He said he had not. I returned at sunset to his mother’s house (the Kingston Hotel), and found he had not returned; borrowed a telescope, and on Monday, at about six, with some others, went again to the lagoon. Shortly afterwards we saw the boat turned bottom upwards. I returned and gave information to the police. Not being able to procure a boat we constructed three rafts. The boat was found; on the next day found the paddle, a piece of indiarubber, and some small articles. The seats and other things were some hundred yards from the boat, but nearly all together. There were about twenty men searching each day, and I have been there also, with the exception of yesterday, until eleven o’clock today, when the body was found by a person of the name of George Miller. I took charge of him until the police arrived. In his pocket was a pocket book, a knife, and a shilling. I am satisfied that deceased was accidentally drowned. The boat was not calculated to carry more than one person - it is about nine and a half feet long by two and a half feet wide. I am not aware if my brother knew much of the management of boats. He told me the previous night of his intention to go duck shooting with Thomas Stubbs. I wanted him to try it first, in shallow water, if he could upset it. My brother was born in London, and has been in this colony about eighteen months. He was about sixteen years of age. Deceased was a good swimmer. I have seen him swim in that lagoon, and have heard him say it is dangerous on account of the rushes. The boat was near the centre of the lagoon, about a quarter of a mile from land.

George Miller, farmer at Kingston. - Knew deceased ever since he has been in the colony. I first heard of the accident on Monday, when one of Mr Bradley’s men told me deceased was missing, and several persons were going to look for him. Went shortly after. Many persons were there when I arrived. I was on a raft on Tuesday searching but did not find decease. I saw the boat on Monday morning among the rushes. I have been there nearly ever since. To-day I went in the little boat by myself. I went towards where it was found. I think it was about ten o’clock when, looking down in the water, I saw the hands of the deceased and after getting assistance from the men on the raft, we threw out the grappling irons and brought up the body of the deceased. Before leaving tied paddle to the rushes to mark the spot. The water was about eight feet deep. Deceased was put on the raft and carried ashore, and brought here. Every one did his best in the search. We were provided with boat hooks and grappling irons. No person is at present searching for the other person. The boat is not safe for one person. I have been used to boats, I believe his feet were entangled in the rushes, as I could raise him with the paddle. The hands were uppermost.

Constable Charles Gorman, stationed at Kingston - I was informed on Monday afternoon that two men had been drowned in Hepburn’s lagoon. Mrs Wilkinson told me if I went to the lagoon a number of persons were looking for the bodies, but did not find them. I was there again on Wednesday. I was assisting in the search, but was unsuccessful. To-day, about eleven, I was informed by Mr Mack that the body of deceased had been found. I went to the lagoon and saw deceased in a tent. I examined deceased but found no marks of violence; his fingers were bent as if grasping something. I searched his pockets, and found the articles produced. I forwarded information to Creswick.

The coroner asked the jury if they required further evidence. He thought from what evidence they had there would be little difficulty in arriving at a decision. He thought no blame could rest with any one but the deceased parties, who had paid dearly for their rashness.

The jury immediately returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally drowned while boating.

Inquest. - An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon last, at the Criterion Hotel, before Mr Lees, district coroner, on the body of Charles Taylor, (which was found about one mile, from the Mount Greenock Hotel,) who was supposed to have met his death by being thrown from his horse and his head coming in contact with a branch of a tree. The evidence adduced showed that the unfortunate man had been drinking rather freely. Dr Robinson made the post mortem, from which it appeared that congestion of the brain was the cause of death. Verdict - Found dead, the injuries supposed to have been caused in the way above mentioned.

See Taylor, Arthur

Fearful Accident. - An inquest was held yesterday at Smeaton by Mr W B Lees, the district coroner, on the body of William Tellford, 47 years of age. Deceased on Wednesday last at 3 p.m., whilst working with Edward Butler at the Smeaton quarry, was, after having let off a blast, clearing away the rubbish, when a large stone of about 2 tons, under which he was then sitting, gave way, wounded his head, and shattered his left leg to pieces. Dr Daniel, of this town, was at once sent for, and pronounced that amputation would be necessary. Dr Beatty was then called, but, just as he arrived, deceased breathed his last. The jury returned a verdict in keeping with the above facts.

See Ah Yuk

Since our last, two inquests have been held by W B Lees, Esq., District Coroner …….., the other on William Thomas, smothered in a drive in Bloody Gully. Thomas and one of his mates, James Phillips, were at work together in a drive, removing a cap-piece, when it fell, together with a quantity of earth, knocking the two in opposite directions. Edwin Harvey, another of their mates, was working in another drive at the time and on going to see how Thomas and Phillips were getting on, heard cries proceeding from the latter. With the assistance of two other mates, Phillips was in about ten minutes extricated and in a like period the body of Thomas was taken out - but life had fled. In this unfortunate occurrence how truly were the words of Scripture verified, "that the one shall be taken and the other left,: and " In the midst of life we are in death." At each inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. Phillips was much bruised all over his body, but is doing well.

See Hooper, George

inquest. - An inquest was held on Tuesday last, before the District Coroner, W B Lees, Esq., on the body of Matthew Tonkin, a miner, who was killed in a drive at the Red Streak by the earth falling in. Dr Huston was on the spot immediately after the accident happened, but found life extinct. A verdict was given accordingly.

The second inquest was at the Black Lead, on the body of Tu Shen, a Chinaman, aged 35. His brother and uncle, who lived in the same tent, stated that deceased was ill for ten days, and had left a wife and two children in China. Dr Roche made the post mortem and ascribed Tu Shen’s death to gastritis. Verdict accordingly.

Wednesday’s Herald says the adjourned inquest on the body of Underwood, the snake charmer, was held on Tuesday. The jury, after a sort consultation, returned the following verdict and rider:- "Charles Horatio Underwood died from the bite of a snake, after the application of his own antidote: and the jury are of opinion that persons ought not to be allowed to exhibit poisonous snakes, and to allow themselves and others to be bitten by the.

See Soderberg, Carl

Inquests. - An inquest was held yesterday, before the same Coroner, at the Hit-or-Miss Hotel, Glendonald Creek, on the body of a Chinaman, aged about 30, name unknown. Mr McCrae in looking after his cattle the night previous, discovered the body lying on the bank of Creswick Creek, whither it had probably been washed during the late floods. Information was given to the police yesterday, who found upon the body nothing to lead to its identification. No marks of violence were visible, but the body was frightfully decomposed. An open verdict was returned.

Detective Officer

See Loo Ching, Fung Laned

See Cummins, Ellen Susanna

See Cummins, Ellen Susanna

See Reekie, George

See Loo Ching, Fung Laned

See Lawrence, Samuel

See Manning, Wm

See Broome, Wm Humphrey

See Farrell, George

See Moritz, Julius H

See Webb, Agnes

See Way, George

See Cummins, Ellen Susanna

See Dean, Elizabeth

Inquest. - W B Lees, Esq., this day held a court of inquiry as to the cause of the death of George Way, miner, aged 47 years, a native of Devonshire. It transpired in evidence that deceased had been drinking with some mates at the Port Phillip Hotel, on Saturday, the 16^th inst., after leaving which house he was accompanied by Cotterell, a miner, to the Wellington Hotel. Stopped there and had drinks. George Collins and J Humble were also there. They had no quarrel. Cotterell could not say how he left the Wellington Hotel; but about sunrise on Sunday morning he found himself laying on a bank near to the old shaft at the All Nations Company. His hat was off. He missed his mate, the deceased, and supposed that he had gone home. On reaching his tent did not find him there. Not seeing or hearing any account of him throughout Sunday, on Monday a search was made, and the body found down the shaft against which witness, Cotterell, was lying, as mentioned. Mr Sergeant Bolger, as soon as made acquainted with the circumstance, went down the shaft and found the body, the head being buried in soft mud. The deceased must have fallen head foremost, as it would be impossible to turn, owing to the narrowness of the shaft, it being partitioned. The sum of £1 16s was found on deceased’s person. Dr B Warren stated that a cut on the head, caused by falling on some loose slabs at the bottom of the shaft, (which was about 100 feet deep) was sufficient to cause death. This gentleman had made a post mortem examination, after which evidence the jury gave as their verdict that the deceased, George Way, was found down a hole on the morning of the 18^th inst., and the jury are of the opinion that deceased died from injuries received from the fall, and that he fell down the hole on the morning of the 17^th March, 1861, whilst in a state of intoxication.

Fatal Accident. - The late Mr John Waycott, of Sulky Gully, whilst racing with a friend, on Monday evening, fell off his horse, and his foot being caught in the stirrup he was dragged some distance. He died from the injuries received on Tuesday at 11 p.m. An inquest was held on Wednesday by Dr Glendinning, and the following verdict returned:- "Death was caused by the compression of the brain, brought on by the deceased having accidentally fallen off his horse whilst in a state of intoxication."

CORONERS INQUEST

An inquest was held on Sunday morning, at ten o’clock, at the Criterion Hotel, on the body of Agnes Webb, daughter of Mary Webb, who lives in a tent at the Ironbark Ranges, about four miles from Clunes. the mother, who was in custody of the police on suspicion of having caused the death of the child on Saturday morning, was accommodated with a chair during the examination. The jury, having been sworn, proceeded to view the body; on their return the prisoner was examined, and said that - Deceased was four months old. She had been separated from her husband for the last two years. Deceased was born at Back Creek, and had never been a healthy child from its birth; it had been subject to fits. On the afternoon of Friday the child was trembling and shaking. Between ten and eleven o’clock at night she and the child went to bed. Between twelve and one o’clock the decease began to moan. She struck a light, and the child became pacified, she went to sleep sho9rtly afterwards. About four o’clock next morning found the child laying on her arm. Her son, aged two and a half years, was also in bed with her. The deceased was then all but dead. She then went to an adjoining tent, belonging to Mr Jobling and his wife, for assistance. They came with her, and she explained the matter to them. Mrs Jobling having discovered that the child was dead, told her to report the circumstance to the police. Did not hear the child cry from the time she woke. Was by herself in the tent, and was sober on the Friday night. Robert Stubbers was the father of the child, but a month before it was born he had not been near her, and had not contributed a penny to its support.

Joseph Jobling said he had known the deceased twelve months. The prisoner was under his protection. [Witness the went ton to describe his being called to the prisoner’s tent.] On entering, he found the child lying on its back dead, and its right hand clenched. He asked how deceased came by her death and prisoner said she could not tell. Could not swear what quantity of ale was drunk in his tent on Friday evening. Was playing at cards with two men for several hours in the evening. Have seen men go into prisoner’s tent, which adjoins his own, and also shout for her, but had never to interfere to get them out. Keeps a beer shop [The Coroner remarked that the witness’s reason for supporting the woman was very evident.]

Henry Williams, a man in the service of Mr Pickford, of Clunes, was then sworn, who deposed that he had known prisoner for twelve months. He was tipsy on the Friday night, and had brought some drink into the house, but could not say whether it was ale, brandy, or gin. Saw prisoner drink only one glass of beer that evening about five o’clock in the evening. This witness gave his evidence in such a prevaricating and impudent manner, being evidently not completely recovered from his "spree" on Friday, that the coroner ordered him to be confined in the lock-up for 24 hours.

J Ford was then examined, and in his evidence stated that the parties in Jobling’s tent were all a little "fresh" on the Friday evening, himself and Williams frequently shouting glasses of ale. Had never been inside prisoner’s tent in his life.

Dr Warren, who had made the post mortem examination, stated that all the organs of the stomach were in a healthy state, but there was congestion of the lungs and brain. Could not discover any marks of violence on the body. Did not know that a woman in her sober senses could have overlaid her child without being sensible of the fact. The congestion of the brain and lungs was quite recent. The congestion of the brain was brought on by suffocation.

Constable Durant, the arresting constable, stated that on being called to the tent, he found the child on the bed dead. He observed a bloody discharge under the right ear, which he wiped off; the back of the neck and ribs were also discolored. Prisoner asked me if I was going to charge her with the murder of the child. She added that if she had smothered it she had done it with no bad intention. She seemed much affected. She was sober at the time. Williams (one of the witnesses) remarked that they were all on the spree the night before. Prisoner had not borne a good character the last two years he had known her.

An adjournment of ten minutes then took place.

The Coroner then summed up, and explained to the jury that, if they should find that the prisoner had been drunk and overlaid the child, it would be no excuse; the verdict would be tantamount to one of manslaughter. If they should find that the prisoner had not been intoxicated, but had smothered the child by accident, it would be their duty to bring in a verdict of acquittal.

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the prisoner suffocated the child accidentally, there being no evidence to prove that she was intoxicated at the time, and she was accordingly discharged.

The proceedings lasted four hours.

See Webb, Agnes

See Cummins, Ellen Susanna

See Brown, Isabella

See Jones, Male Infant

Yesterday W B Lees, Esq, the District Coroner, held an inquest on Mary White, a child 15 months old. In consequence of a matrimonial disagreement, the mother removed the child to her parents’ residence and then left Clunes. About a week since, the child’s father fetched it away and took it to Dr Brown’s, who stated that as it was much debilitated he thought it would not live. The doctor prescribed a nourishing diet, but the child died on Wednesday last. The Coroner said he believed there was no necessity for an inquest, which he had been called upon to hold through a misunderstanding. Verdict - that the child died from dentition and diarrhoea.

See Cockrill, Mrs Robert

See Harding, Henry

See Taylor, Arthur

See Schimmel, John

See Jones, Male Infant

See Praetz, Charles Henry

See Harding, Henry

See Loo Ching, Fung Laned

See Wilton, Sarah

Inquest.- On Sunday morning last, at eight o’clock, an enquiry was held before W B Lees, Esq. Coroner, as to the cause of the death of Sarah Wilton, aged 36 years. It transpired that deceased was a native of Calcutta; that by a former marriage she had two children, who are now resident in London, but whose address is unknown to their father-in-law, Chas Wilton, who stated that he had been married to deceased more than eight years; that he resided on the Deep creek, about eight miles from Clunes; that about four months ago deceased caught a cold on returning in rain from Clunes with a heavy load. She had complained of tightness on the chest, and was frequently sick; she had partaken of remedial measures, detailed, but was never laid up altogether. On the Tuesday before death she was worse, but on the following Friday (the day of her death) she was better. About five o’clock she went to lay down, and asked for some broth. On witness’s return, after a few minutes’ absence to look after his bullocks, he found deceased laying on the floor. An old mate was near his tent door, to whom, seeing her strange appearance, he called in and lifted deceased on the bed. The mate was requested to go for a doctor, but his wife shortly afterwards died. In explanation this witness stated that deceased had frequently complained of a pain in her left side, caused, as she believed, by a kick from her first husband. Himself and wife had always lived on the best terms. Deceased was a sober woman. Chas Connelly supported the testimony of former witness, so far circumstances transpired, on the day in question. He had never seen a glass of liquor in the tent. Dr Robinson sworn - Was a duly qualified medical practitioner. The evidence of this witness showed the state of general disorder of the body of the deceased. It may, however, be remarked that during his absence, in completing a post mortem examination, evidence was adduced which substantiated his estimative analysis of the contents of the stomach. The doctor could not account for a blackness round the throat, but, on the police being questioned, it was proved that the discolouration was not perceptible at a first examination of the body by them. The medical gentleman gave his testimony that the immediate cause of death was disease of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

See Schimmel, John

See Ellete, Mary

William Edward

See Jones, Male Infant