The District Coroner, Mr W B Lees, held an inquisition on Wednesday last on the body of Mr Carter, who was thrown from his horse on his return from Smeaton to Creswick, on Monday. The Jury having been empanelled, the following depositions were taken:-

William Davies deposed - He left Creswick on Monday in company with the deceased, who was detained by business at Smeaton until next afternoon. Left for Creswick about 2 p.m., passing Mr B Hepburn's at a sharp canter. My horse shied and threw me into the head of a tree that was lying in the road. Called to deceased to catch my horse. Deceased rode after the horse. Next saw him about three quarters of an hour after lying at Mr Beveridge's store; he was then insensible. Were both excited by Liquor, having had nothing to eat; but were perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves. Believes the horse deceased rode was a dangerous horse. Had known deceased about three years, and was on intimate terms with him. Deceased was about thirty-five years of age.

William Edward Quick, of Spring Hill, deposed - On yesterday afternoon, about three o'clock, he was working in a paddock in the Spring Hill road. Saw Deceased riding past at the rate of eight miles an hour. Was riding after a horse with a saddle and bridle on, trying to head it, and to catch the bridle by putting out his hands. There were some horses ahead just at that time I turned to look after them. When I looked again in the direction of deceased I saw both horses without riders. Went with his mate to look for Mr Carter, whom we found lying flat on his back. Called his father and brothers, and left them in charge of the body and went after the horses, one of which had gone towards Creswick and the other towards Bullarook; did not find them. Came back again towards deceased. A man was then passing on horseback. Told him to inform the police. Mr Patrick, the baker, came up with his cart and brought deceased to where he now lied. Deceased breathed when I first saw him. But did not speak; he was bleeding at the mouth and left ear. There was likewise some blood at the back of the head.

George Roche - Is a legally qualified medical practitioner. Between three and four o'clock yesterday afternoon, was summoned to attend deceased, whom I found suffering from all the symptoms of fracture of base of the skull. He had compression of the brain. Continued to attend him until a quarter past four this morning, when he died. Believes the cause of death was compression of the brain.

Verdict accordingly.

Creswick & Clunes Advertiser Index 1859-1865