Person:Robert Shearman (8)

The inquest on the body of Mr R. W. Shearman was held at the deceased's residence on Saturday afternoon, at 3 o'clock. The following jury was empanelled H. Friedlander, J. R. Colyer, A. M. Pearson, J. Scaly, C. Braddell, and H. Zander. Mr H. Friedlander was chosen foreman of the jury. After viewing the body, the following evidence was taken:- Dr Ross said he was in the habit of attending the deceased. He had been suffering lately from his heart and liver neither of them were diseased; just in an ordinary way. Deceased was very cheerful lately. It was ten days ago since witness saw him. Being a stout man it was natural that he should suffer from his liver. He could not stoop without experiencing some unpleasant sensations. Witness had examined the body, and found that the neck was broken. If he stooped to draw water, or lift anything heavy, he might certainly become giddy and fall. It was very plain, from the position of the well, its narrowness and depth, how the accident happened. He must have been stooping over the edge, which is flush with the ground, and probably becoming giddy, overbalanced himself, and falling againot the opposite side of the well with great force, being a heavy man, broke his neck. The well was closely boarded up. He was a cheerful, happy man, and the doctor thought this should be mentioned, so that nothing could be said touching any affection of the deceased's mind. Hugo Friedlander said he had known deceased for over eleven years, ever since he came to Ashburton. He was always of a happy disposition. Saw him on Friday in Ashburton, near the Somerset Hotel, about 11 a.m. He was then in very fair spirits, but he did not look well. Asked him if he did not feel well, and he said his liver was troubling him. He did not seem in any way despondent. Elizabeth Shearman, wife of deceased, said the last time she saw her husband alive was at breakfast that morning. He left the table at 7.45 to go and water the flowers, as was his usual custom. There was water in the tanks, but he was in the habit of drawing cold water from the well for the ferns. About 9 o'clock, Willcox, the gardener, came and told witness he had found his master lying dead in the well. Deceased complained on Friday of being giddy, and also of not feeling well that morning. There was nothing at all to make witness think he was unwell. He was as cheerful as usual that morning. William Willcox said he was groom and gardener to the deceased. About a quarter to eight he bid witness, "Good morning," and that was the last time he saw him alive. Mrs Shearman asked him to go and look for her husband about ten minutes to nine. Looked all round the place first, and then, missing the billy and the rope from the top of the well, looked down the well and saw the body. Could just see the crown of his head and the forehead. The body was quite motionless. Sent for assistance and Constable Latimer and Dr Leahy assisted him to get the body out. By the Jury: The billy was in the well with him. Deceased had not been in good health, and complained about his throat, but he was not despondent. He was naturally very cheerful. The water is about 12ft from the surface, and there is 20ft of water in the well. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."