A MAN DROWNED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 15, 19 January 1898, Page 8

A MAN DROWNED.

f" (By Telegraph.-Press Association.)

WESTPORT, this day.

Considerable sensation was caused in town yesterday by reports of a case of drowning in the Buller River, and there seems to be only too much fear that a wellknown public man, Mr Michael Flanagan, of Cromwell, near Charleston, has lost his life. Tt appears that about one o'clock yesterday morning the-Rosamond's watchman, Mr R. Lewis, was passing along the deck' near the lowei platform of the coal staiths, when he saw Flanagan sitting in a.dangerous position. The watchman gave warning, but Flanagan replied that he was in no more danger than Lewis was. The latter then turned away, and was on the point of coming up the gangway when he heard a loud splash, as if caused by a heavy

body falling into the water. Upon investigating the matter Lewis could find no trace ;., .of,Flanagan, but saw his clog on the platforiii< Flanagan had been engaged in mining in Charleston district for many years, but for live years past ho had been living on his means. He has filled many public positions in Charleston, and represented the riding on the Euller County Council. The body has not been recovered.