A HARBOUR FATALITY

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 84, 8 April 1916, Page 6

A HARBOUR FATALITY

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN SHIP-

PING MAN.

A sensation was caused in -shipping circles yesterday .afternoon when it was learned that Mr. Archibald Allan Thomson, senior member of the firm of Gannavray and Co., master stevedores, had met his death in a sudden and tragic manner. In consequence of a report that the scow Echo, owned by the Karamea Steamship Co., of which Mr. Thomson was a director, had dragged her moorings in the strong north-wester-ly wind, deceased went out in the tug Karaka in order to secure the vessel. After the tug had brought the scow up ■to a buoy used by the IJarbour Board for mooring punts, Mr. Thomson jumped from the Echo to the buoy to make her fast, but his weight proving too great for the stability of the buoy, he was thrown into the water. He managed to keep afloat for some time, but when rescued by the Echo's boat and placed on board the Karaka he was found to be unconscious. Medical aid was secured, but the doctors, despite all attempts at resuscitation, could only pronounce life extinct. The body was removed to the morgue.

Born in Foxton in 1869, the late Mr. Thomson was educated at Nelson College. He chose a seafaring life, and made rapid progress in the service of the Shaw-Savill and Albion Co. He held the position of fourth and third officer of the Fakeha, and was fourth officer of the Tainui, under the late Captain E. J. Evans, for some time marine superintendent of the company at Wellington. He was also on the Aotea, under the late Captain William Scotland, whoso daughter he subsequently married. About fifteen years ago he joined the firm of Gannaway and-Co.,' in Wellington, and became the senior partner upon the death of Mr. John Gannaway.

The late Mr. Thomson was twice married, and leaves a daughter by the first marriage. He is survived by his second wife, formerly Miss Warrington. The deceased gentleman had not been in good health for' some time, and it is believed that his death was due to shock. He was genial and good-natur-ed, popular with all who knew him, and a considerate employer.