Death of John Coffey.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 654, 1 September 1891, Page 2

Death of John Coffey.

John Coffey, a familiar figure in Gisborne, died suddenly on Sunday morning in his small premises in Gladstone Road, He was a bootmaker by trade, and bad for some years followed his calling in Gisborne. An inquest concerning the cause of death was held yesterday morning before Mr Booth, Coroner, and the following jury: Messrs G. Winset (foreman), G. Maher, J. Nutting, T, Leslie, B. Little, and W, Templeton. O. J. Morrell deposed that Mr Coffey had come from Stopford, Cheshire, and was about 65 years of age. Witness was sole executor under a will. Saw him (deceased) about noon on Saturday, when he appeared to be in his usual health, but was slightly under the influence of liquor. For the last 18 months his health had been failing. Had heard rumors that he had engaged a housekeeper lately. Witness had been told by Coffey that he had no relations in New Zealand.

Dr Innes deposed that the late Mr Coffey had been in failing health for the past six teen months, suffering from the effects of syncope. Was called to see him between 8 and 9 o'clock. The immediate cause of death was fatty degeneration of the heart. Charlotte Webster, an elderly woman, deposed : I was living as housekeeper with deceased' on Saturday lost. He went to bed that night about 9.45, at which time he was quite sober, and appeared to be very happy. Daring the night he was very troublesome, getting in and out of bed, and groaning occasionally. I slept on a sofa opposite the bed, and was not in the least expecting his death. About 630 on Sunday morning he gqt up and put on his trousers, and said he would like a glass of brandy, as that would make him feel better, After that he staggered back, and in falling caught his head against the fireplace, When on the floor he commenced to foam at the mouth. I then supported his head with a pillow, and was quite convinced he was dying. I went immediately to the Royal Hotel to get assistance, as I had been a servant there, but nobody offered to go with mo to see the dying man. I then got Constable Reddell to accompany pie to the house of deceased. Deceased had no poisons of any sort in the house. I had only entered Jthe service of Mt Coffey two days previously, By a juror: Mr Coffey promised to get the house furnished properly if I would stay, but he asked me not to leave him in his present condition. I had intended to get away by the steamer that morning for Auckland, By the Coroner: Deceased had been drinking during the time I was with him. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.