A MYSTERIOUS DEATH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2064, 31 March 1909, Page 5

A MYSTERIOUS DEATH.

INQUEST AT CHRISTCHURCH

[Per Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, March 31. An inquest concerning the death of Andrew Douglas Hardie, 70 years of age, whose, body was found lying outside his cottage at Dudley Creek, last Sunday week, was resumed this afternoon by Mr. H. W. Bishop, District Coroner, and a jury. When the inquest opened last week, medical evidence was given to the effect that the old man’s spme had been dislocated, and that eight ribs on the right side of the body had been broken, and penetrated the lungs. The injuries might have been caused by a blow on the side. They were .all ante mortem, and might .have been caused by a motor car striking the man’s back and side. There were no .external marks of violence, and if he was struck by a car it was possible that _ there would be no marks, because death followed so quickly after the blow. Ine man would not have-been able to walk from the scene of the accident to _the place at which the body was found, a distance of fifteen yards. _ He was absolutely incapable of stooping, and therefore could not place his kit under his head. The inquest was adjourned and further inquiries made by the police. To-day the driver and occupants of a taxi-cab, who passed the locality on the night the man was found, stated they neither saw the man nor felt any hock. An open verdict was returned.