HEROIC CONSTABLE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 303, 5 October 1935, Page 7

HEROIC CONSTABLE

DROWNED IN ATTEMPTING RESCUE. TRIBUTE PAID BY CORONER. (Per Press Association). HAMILTON, October 4. “This unfortunate calamity which was the result of extreme devotion to duty led to the loss of valuable life, commented the Coroner (Mr 1. VV. Platts) at an inquest to-day into the death of Constable Charles Hay ward Williams, aged 31 years. , The evidence showed that Constable Williams lost his life in the Waikato River on August 13, while attempting to rescue Daisy Hislop from drowning after a fall from the railway bridge. A verdict was returned that constable Williams was drowned while attempting to rescue Miss Hislop. The inquest int#J the death of Daisy Hislop, aged 23 years, was also concluded before Mr Platts. The evidence showed that she jumped from the railway bridge into the Waikato River on August 13. , “We have it in evidence that she had a quarrel with a young man with whom she was keeping company, about his going to a party "without hei. .There was also trouble about her engagement ring,” said the Coroner. “The unfortunate girl was despondent at the time, and I will return a verdict that she committed suicide by drowning while temporarily insane. “The remarkable courage of Charles Clarke, who entered the river twice in an attempt to rescue Miss Hislop and the constable, needs no commendation from me. His bravery has been publicly recognised,” added the Coroner.