HOKITIKA TRAGEDY.

Grey River Argus, 26 July 1922, Page 6

HOKITIKA TRAGEDY.

MARRIED MAN'S DEATH. APPARENT suicide by hanging HOKITIKA, July 25. Reginald Fane, married, aged 50, was found dead in a cowshed. He apparently hanged himself though the rope had broken. He had been in ill health fur months. Au unpleasant sensation was created in town yesterday morning (reports our Hokitika corespondent) at tho news of the death of Mr Reg Fane one of tho best known residents of the town. He was found dead on Wadesou Islaifd. in the middle of th-o Hokitika River, near the railway bridge, about 7.30 a.m. He had, it is understood, been in unsatisfactory health lor some time, suffering from nervous trouble and insomnia, and during a period of about two years he had been subject to fits of depression. On Monday night he retired to bed about 9 o clock, saying he would get up early in the morning and go for a long walk. He was found this morning at 7.30 o’clock by Mr Henry Butland, lying on the ground of a cow shed on tho island where he had apparently hung himself. The rope had broken and had let tho body fall. On examination tho deceased was found to be quite dead. The body was warm, but death had ensued about an hour before. Deceased was about 54 years of age, and a native of Hokitika, having been one of the first generation of Hokitikians. Formerly ho was well-known as Clerk of the Course for tho Westland Racing and Trotting Clubs, but some time ago left the district, returning again recently, and residing on Gibson Quay, while he worked at one time on the railway permanent way. A man of quite genial disposition, Reg Fane was generally liked, and there is widespread regret at his tragic death. Ho leaves numerous relatives in the district, including a widow, and a family of two daughters and two sons, together with a brother and three sisters, all being married. General sympathy is felt for the relatives in their bereavement.