DEATH OF MR BARTON.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 211, 4 September 1917, Page 4

DEATH OF MR BARTON.

FORMER CLERK OF COURT. DROWNED AT RAETIHI. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.. WANGANUI, Monday. Mr. C. A. Barton, late clerk of the Court at Auckland, his son, and some Maoris, were crossing the Manganui-a-teao, which was in flood on Sunday. One of the other horses kicked his horse, which rolled over him, precipitating Mr. Barton into deep water, with the result that he was drowned. This sad information, which appeared in the Stop Press in last night's issue of the " Star," came as a great shock to the many friends Mr. Barton made during the period he was clerk of the Magistrate's Court in this city. Further details state that as Mr."Barton was a strong swimmer, it is believed that his back must have been injured by the fall. His companions noticed that Mr. Barton was unable to swim, but were unable to assist him, before the river had swept him down out of sight. Mr. Barton succeeded Mr. Raafe as clerk of the Court in Auckland when the latter gentleman was promoted to the •Justice Department in the Islands under Captain Northcroft. Deceased had been in Auckland in his earlier years, and was well known here. During his last term in this city, Mr. Barton resumed old acquaintances, and made many new friends, who regret his death, especially under such sad circumstances. He joined the Justice Department 40 years ago, and retired on superannuation a little over a year since. He is survived by his widow, four sons, and two daughters. One son, Lieutenant O. Barton, served with the Main Body, and has just returned to the front,* with a commission. Another son, Sergeant T. Barton, is at present in camp. Before taking tho civil business at the Magistrate's Court this morning, Mr. E. C. Cutten. S.M., referred to the death of Mr. Barton, late chief clerk of the Court at Auckland, where he was I held in high esteem by the legal fraternity. His Worship said he felt sure members of' the bar would learn with sincere regret of the death of Mr. Barton. He was a strong, hearty man, in the prime of life, with a really hopeful future. To have met his death by being drowned in a river seemed a very tragic ending. His Worship was sure the news would distress those whose business had brought them into touch with Mr. .Barton, who was a capable and courteous officer. Expressing the feelings of the magistrates, his Worship said the news was extremely grieving.