DROWNING OF YOUNG MAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 257, 30 October 1929, Page 7

DROWNING OF YOUNG MAN.

JURYMEN EXPRESS REGRET. "DEEP AND SINCERE SYMPATHY." (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. The body of Robert Howard Bretnall, who was drowned in the surf at Ruakaka on Labour Day, was found by one of the many searchers at 1.30 this morning. It had been washed up on the beach about 70 yards from where Bretnall was last seen swimming. At the inquest this morning evidence of identification* was given by D. A. McLean, who .said he drove a car with members of his family and Bretnr-U to Ruakaka Beach. They had lunch together, and witness' son, Campbell, decided to go for a swim. Tliev undressed in the motor car and went towards the beach about 1.30 p.m. That was the last witness saw of Bretnall. The alarm that Bretnall was missing was given at 2.30, but no trace of him could then be seen. On the application of the police the inquest was adjourned until November 11 to allow of other witnesses being communicated with. The foreman of the coroner's jury said that Bretnell was well known to each member of the jury, and highly respected and the jury wished to convey to his parents and family the deep and sincere sympathy they felt, and also that the regard in whcih he was widely held would allow the jury to add that the town also deeply sympathised with the parents, and regretted the loss of one so warmlv esteemed.