ANOTHER DROWNING

Grey River Argus, 20 January 1941, Page 4

ANOTHER DROWNING

Elderly Man Found IN BLAKETOWN LAGOON. Missing from his home at 54 Herbert Street, Greymouth, since 5.30 1 p.m. on Alfred Prescott, a I married man, aged 58 years, was found drowned in the lagoon at the western side of Victoria Park shortly after 8 o’clock on Saturday evening. It is thought that Prescott fell whilst walking across an old plank, or the old railway bridge in the vicinity of which his body was recovered. i It was a fairly regular custom of deceased to take a Fox Terrier dog 1 for a swim in the lagoon at the southern end of Victoria Park on 1 Frida'y evenings, and he left home (about 6.30 p.m. with this intention. ’ The dog returned home about an 'hour later in a wet condition, but de--1 ceased did not return. Alarm was felt on Saturday and the police were communicated with. Sergeant W. Cooper and Constable O. Thomas immediately began dragging operations in the vicinity of the locality where deceased was presumed to have been with the dog, but their efforts were unsuccessful owing to the full tide, and the fact that the body was likely to be in tidal waters. Dragging operations were resumed by Constables J. Johnson and Thomas about 7.30 on Saturday evening, and half an hour later the body was recover-I ed, lying in about eight feet of water at low tide.

The police had the use of a rowboat, belonging to Mr. Leonard Curtis, of Preston Road, and the boat proved indispensable in the dragging operations. It is understood that deceased was unable to swim, and when he was found, he was fully dressed in working attire having also his wages envelope and the dog’s leash in his hand.

I The inquest was opened at the i Grey Hospital yesterday morning before Mr. M. J. Fogarty, J'.P., Coroner, when evidence of identification was given by Alfred Basil Prescott, a son of deceased, who said that his father had left home about 6.30 p.m. on Friday with the dog, intending to take the animal for a swim. When his father had not returned home during Friday night, witness reported the matter to the police, who had recovered the body after dragging operations. Deceased had no financial worries and enjoyed good health. He was in good spirits when he left home to take the dog for a swim. The inquest, which was conducted by Sergeant Cooper, was adjourned sine die.

Deceased, who was a native of England, came to New Zealand 15 years ago. and had since resided at Greymouth. He was employed for a' number of years as a blacksmith at the Bundi Dredge, and for the past 15 months had occupied a similar position at the Dobson Mine. He was a member of the Buffalo Lodge. He is survived by his wife, and three sons, Leslie, Stan and Basil, all of Greymouth. The funeral, which will be private, will take place at Karoro Cemetery this morning.

In Buller River MAN’S BODY FOUND. WESTPORT. January 18. The body of Mr Edward Alfred Ashman, aged 56, who had been missing since Monday, was found in the river to-day near the Buller Bridge. An inquest will be held later. Mr Ashman was better known as “Pop Eye,” and was a well-knowh personality.