BODY FOUND ON BEACH

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22437, 25 June 1938, Page 16

BODY FOUND ON BEACH

♦ DOUBT ABOUT CAUSE OP DEATH (rmcss usocunoi musbbak.) AUCKLAND. June 24. Mystery surrounds the death of an elderly man, Mr Thomas Wlthey, whose body was found on the beach at Okahu Bay, Orakei, this morning. He had apparently been drowned, and there were no signs of violence on the body. There were, however, indications of bleeding from the eyes, nose, and mouth. _ . Detectives took charge of the inquiry. and the group on the beach attracted hundreds of people travelling to the city. . .. . Though the police are inclined to the belief that the cause of death was drowning, the presence of blood was puzzling. However, there are no signs of violent death. Withey’s identity was discovered by a detective who made a round of boarding-houses in the city. An inquest was formally opened by Mr F. K. Hunt, Coroner. • The proprietress of an apartmenthouse said Withey was aged about 58. He recently stopped at her place. She last saw bim on Monday, when he was in good health and spirits. He said he was leaving that day. The only work he apparently did was to fill match-vending machines In the city. The Coroner adjourned the inquest and ordered a examination. ' , . • The police have no clues about any relatives,