CASUALTIES.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17936, 3 December 1923, Page 11

CASUALTIES.

FARMER'S BODY FOUND IN CREEK. The body of William Herbert Watkins, farmer, West Belt, was found in > Ellis's Creek, about half a milft from his farm, at 1 p.m. yesterday. Watkins was 32 years ot age, single, in comfortable circumstances, and, though working his farm, lodged with his parents, who lived close to ins Yesterday morning deceased's brother, Stanley Watkins, met him at their father's place and went with him to his farm, where it was arranged with deceased to build an implement shed. Measurements were taken and the timber specified, and it was arranged to commence work this morning. The brother left about 12 o'clock and William Watkins was then in the wash-house. He was to go to another brother's house (L G. Watkins) at Southbrook for his midday meal, his mother being there. As he did not make his appearance two of his nieces, Minnie Watkins, aged 12, and Mavis, aged 8, went to his father's house to ascertain the reason. In the letterbox at the father's house was founcTa note which said"Round in the creek" and signed "Eerbie.' Thinking he was resting in the shade the nieces went thea*e and found his bicycle, Bible, and his dog, but could not at first see him. Eventually thfij saw the "body at the bottom of tlie creek. They went to a neighbour nearby, Mr C. McGrath, who recovered the body from the water. Watkins had suffered from influenza and in consequence his health had been poor during the Inst six months. Wnen last seen alive he was cheerful and was planning for the future. Deceased left a letter addressed to his mother. The body was removed to the Plough Inn, where an inquest will be held at 5.45 this evening.

(PK*33 ASSOCIATION TKUGRAX-j TAIHAPE, December 1. Samuel Miller, who was injured in the oollapse of a bridge at Ohutu, is still in a critical He receded a nasty Wow on the Sead, and is bruised from head to foot. He is suffering very severely from shock and from lengthy immersion in the river, but no' bones were broken.