Kent & Sussex Courier, Friday 13 September 1907.

Inquest on a Hop-picker.

On Monday, at the "King's Arms" public house, Offham, Mr. T. Buss, the District Coroner, held an inquest concerning the death of John William Egleston, a hop-picker, whose body was found on the railway between Offham level crossing and Malling, on Sunday morning.

The widow said her husband, who was a green grocer, was 46 years of age. They had been hot picking on Aldon Farm, belonging to Mr. T. Phillips. Deceased had not been in the best of health for some time past, having suffered from rheumatism. He had seen better times, and was occasionally very depressed. He was a temperate man. He had never threatened his life. On Saturday he complained of headache. In the evening he went to Malling to do some shopping, and returned to the tent some time after 10. He left a few minutes afterwards, and finding that he did not return, witness instituted a search. Next morning witness was informed that his body had been found on the railway.

Charles Shoesmith, another picker, deposed to a companying the deceased to Malling. He then appeared to be quite well. They left Malling about 10. Later that night the previous witness asked him to to assist deceased into his tent.

The Coroner:- Why?

I don't know, sir. There was nothing wrong.

Could he walk?

Yes.

Thomas Pattenden, farm bailiff in Mr. Phillips' employed, said the body was lying just clear of the down line, the head being close to the metal. No one had any right there.

P.C. White said a purse containing 5s. was found on the body. The head of being terribly injured, and blood had been found on the engine of the train arriving at Malling at 10:20 that evening from Swanley. Appearance pointed to the conclusion that he had laid down at the spot.

The jury returned an open verdict.