Bridlington and Quay Gazette. — 1914-05-01 (Bridlington, Humberside, England)

FOUND DROWNED.  USING MANS BODY FOUND FLOWING  IN THE BAY.  A SUNDAY ROW.  Sir Luke White, M.P., conducted an inquest ut the Court House on Monday afternoon on the body of John Pockley Milner, who it will be remembered caused a sensation in the town on the occasion of his mysterious disappearance on the evening of Thursday, March sth. Mr. W. Robinson was elected foreman of the jury. George Milner, 71 Nelson Street, fisherman, Isaid he recognised the deceased as his son John Pockley Milner (27), 24, Westbourne Avenue, insurance agent. In answer to the Coroner witness said he was sure deceased was his son and that he identified him by his appearance and clothing. He last saw his son alive at five o'clock p.m. on Thursday, March sth at his (witness's) house. He appeared to be ill and was suffering from pains in the head and had been for a week or a fortnight before. He did not say anything that might lead him to suprose he intended to take his life.  In answer to the foreman witness said his son had been a bit depressed. Fred Milner, 71, Nelson Street, said he last saw his brother alive about 8-5 p.m. on March sth, by Norman Jones' shop in King Street. Deceased said " Hullo Fred " and witness answered "Bulbo John," that was all.  Thomas Harry Jackson, Harbour-master at Bridlington, said about 9-30 on the evening of March sth he was going along the North Pier to the tidal lamp at the pier end and at the base of the lamp he saw an envelope and oomething shining on it. He found a metal watch and chain with silver match box attached. _ _ _  The father said he recognised them as his Son's.  Witness said he took the articles to his office and opened- the envelope which was marked " Milner " in blue pencil and bore the imprint of the Pearl Life Assurance Company. It contained a renewal order for a policy and a receipt which was not signed. James William Marshall, Kirkella, New Burlington Road, district superintendent for the Pearl Co. said the renewal order was for 00 and profits. The receipt was now in the hands of the widow and the claim would be settled right away. P.C. Richard Knaggs said on the previous day (Sunday) whilst off duty he was boating in the Bridlington bay with two other officers. They found the body of the deceased floating in the water and attached a rope to it and towed it to the harbour. The body was afterwards - taken to the mortuary in Portland Place. Sir Luke said the fact that the deceased was depressed and suffered from pains in his head and that he placed his watch and chain along with that envelope at the end of the pier rather pointed to the fact that deceased committed suitide. Very likely he did, but there was no evidence to show how he got in the water. He said nothing to his father to lead him to believe he was going to do anything and he simply passed his brother in the street accosting him in the usual way; there was nothing said then. The deceased disappeared on that night and was found in the bay on Sunday last. If deceased committed suicide he (Sir Luke) thought he did so in an unsound state of mind but he recommended the jury to bring in a verdict of "Found drowned, he thought they would be safer. After a short deliberation the jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned. The father broke down at the conclusion of the inquest, his son's death coming as a great blow to him.  The funeral took place in the cemetery on Tuesday.