SEAMAN FOUND DEAD

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28936, 2 July 1959, Page 8

SEAMAN FOUND DEAD

Rating In Cruiser Royalist

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 1.

An inquest was opened at Auckland today into the death of a naval rating who was found hanging on board the cruiser Royalist at the Devonport Naval Base at 3.20 yesterday afternoon. He was Able Seaman Terrance Murray Aston, aged 21. who was born near Nelson, where his mother resides.

An electrical engineer found the rating’s body suspended by a cord from a deck head. Evidence of identification was given by Graham Allen Jones, who said he last saw the deceased alive last week when the ship was voyaging between Australia and New Zealand. He appeared to be in the best of health and made no complaint. At this stage, the Coroner (Mr A. Addison) adjourned the proceedings sine die. A naval spokesman said later that Able Seaman Aston had no connexion with any inquiries or proceedings that may be taking place in Japan,.

Alliance Francaise.— At their June meeting members of the Alliance Francaise were entertained by Mr and Mrs G. S Troup, Mrs L. G. Wellbrock and Miss Annette Thompson. Old French songs were sung, with Mr lan Matheson as accompanist Charades were presented. Mr Troup presided at the meeting He announced that £4 4s Od had been sent to the French Embassy to aid flood victims in Madagascar.