A STRANGE FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 255, 25 October 1907, Page 5

A STRANGE FATALITY.

Ail inquiry into the death of Ernest Lawrence, a seaman, aged 20 years, who was drowned at Hicks' Bay on August 31st, 1907, was held on the s.s. Haupiri yesterday afternoon. The inquiry was conducted by the Coroner (Mr. T. Qresham), at the request of the Minister for Marine, without a jury, and under the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen's Act, 1903.

William Mcßride, master of the s.s. Haupiri, stated that the Haupiri anchored in Hicks' Bay (near East Coast) on , August 31st, the weather being fresh, with a breeze from the north, overcaai and showery. Laurence had been on the vessel for about two weeks, but he was previously in the Union Company's service.

Richard Campbell, boatswain on the Haupiri, stated that a boat went from the vessel into Hicks' Bay on August 31st, with five A.B.s, including himself and the pursur on board. Laurence appeared to be quite efficient at his work. (ionic cargo having been landed, the boat started to return to the vessel, and Laurence was pulling at the bow. The surf was in no way exceptional. They came to the edge of the break in the sea, and witness told the crew to "bade." Instead of doing so, Lawrence pulled, while the rest of the men obeyed the order. Witness called to Laurence to "back ,, three times, but he continued to pull in a contrary direction. Witness next saw the sea break on the flat of Laurence's oar, and the handle tipped up with the man's hands on it, striking him on the head. Lawrence fell over the gunwale of the boat, and came to the surface holding his head in his hands. There was an oar iloating within three feet on either side, and a third went over, only the stroke retaining his. Witness considered that the other men lost their oars through the bump of the boat. Deceased was not after that seen alive. Witness remained in the locality for 18 days searching for the body. He thought that the man's death was really due to his not watching his oar in the water, and in pulling instead of backing. No blame could be attached to airy other person. The wind was three days blowing off the land, and the body ;.** probably carried out to sea. The Coroner's decision was that the man was accidentally drowned, and that no blame was attachable to any person in connection with his death.