On 24 February 1854 John Agilby, in charge of Police at Barkers Creek, was given a report of a man, apparently lifeless at the Junction, close to the Porcupine Inn. Agilby found the man, Charles Leary, in an ‘enfeebled’ state and arranged for him to be transported to the hospital attached to the Castlemaine gaol (by cart). There he was attended daily by the Assistant Colonial Surgeon. His condition deteriorated and Leary passed away on the morning of 2 March 1854. The verdict was death by a visitation of God, accelerated by excessive drinking.
VPRS 24 Inquest Deposition Files
Created: 2 November 2006, Last modified: 23 January 2007