On Monday, an inquest was held at the residence of James McNEIL, Upper Nelson (North. Co.) before Dr. A.C. Smith, Coroner on view of the body of his son John McNEIL, a raftsman in the employ of John FAIRLEY who was drowned that day. It appears the deceased, in company with his brother, Peter McNEIL started to cross the river in a dug-out at a point about eleven miles above Newcastle and when a little more than half way across, the canoe upset. Peter managed to hold onto the canoe until rescued, but John was drowned. The deceased, about 22 years of age, had been married about two months.