INFANT DROWNED

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 88, 12 January 1928, Page 6

INFANT DROWNED

ACCIDENTAL DEATH Masterton, January 11. An inquest was held to-day concerning the death of Frank Basil Ryder, aged one year and nine months, who was found dead in a creek at 32 Essex Street, Masterton, yesterday afternoon. Ihe district Coroner, Mr. E. G. Eton, presided. Evidence was given by Helen Ryder, mother of the child, who stated that yesterday she was engaged : n household duties at the residence of Mrs. Watson. The child was left with the tour children of Mrs. Watson on the lawn. There was a stream running through the property, protected by wire netting at the back. At 3 p.m. witness visited the child, which was at that time away from the stream. Deceased was later found to be missing, and a search was made. Witness searched on the road, but upon hearing screams turned back. The dead body of the child had been found in the creek. Eardley Button, medical practitioner, deposed to having applied artificial respiration, to no effect. “This is one of those unfortunate cases which happen where there is a creek running through a, private property However, it appears that the creek was fairly well protected, and it does not seem that any blame is attachable to anyone,” said the Coroner. He returned a verdict of accidental death, and expressed sympathy with Mrs. Ryder in her loss.