THE MISSING WELLINGTONIAN.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7956, 13 April 1904, Page 3

THE MISSING WELLINGTONIAN.

Found Dead

From Exhaustion or Accident

Fired His Last Cartridge

Mr J. C. Andrew was found dead on Monday afternoon by Mr Steffin, who acts as a guide for deerstalkers. As soon as Steffin found the body lie returned to Martinborough. The deceased was in. all probability alive on Sunday. He was found within a thousand yards of where" the shots were heard, and he had fired his last cartridge, the shell of which was in his rifle. A 'number of other cartridge shells were found in the immediate vicinity, proving that it was the deceased who had answered the shots fired by the BossSteffin party. The first that Ross and Steffin heard of the deceased having been lost was on Saturday night on arrival at Martinborough for provisions, and they at once rightly concluded that it was Andrew who had answered the shots, to which they had attached little importance, not knowing the position, although they thought it etrange. They said they would have little difficulty in finding him,.dead or alive, and it seems they almost went straight to the spot. - Steffin did not examine the body. He merely wrapped the face and head round with a newspaper. He says one of deceased's legs was doubled under the body, but he is unable to say whether the deceased met with an accident. It is clear, however, that when Andrew heard the shots he would have gone to them had he been able, and the assumption is that he had either injured himself in some way or was too exhausted to move.

Mr Hugh Moirison, brother-in-law of the deceased, Dr. Andrew, of Nelson, a brother, and a party with Constable Sheary, guided by Steffin and Ross, left early yesterday morning to bring in the remains. It is doubtful it they will get back to-day. It is estimated" that the spot where Mr Andrew was found is thirty-five miles from Martinborough, and the body will have to be packed out for miles by horses, and tracks will have to be cut for that purpose. The country in many places is almost inaccessible being densely timbered, precipitous, and full of chasms. Had Steffin or Ross known on Thursday or Friday, or even early on Saturday, it is probable that they would have found him alive.

The late Mr Andrew, who was 36 or 37 years of age, and the second son of the Rev J. C. Andrew, of lea Station, Wairarapa, was an enthusiastic, experienced and skilled sportsman with both rod and gun. Deerstalking was a new undertaking, and he fell a victim to its dangers on his first expedition. But he was familiar with the bush and all its ways, and he had spent much time in camping out. His interest in sport took the practical form of active participation in the affairs of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. During the past two years he had" been the Society's chairman, and for years previously he had served upon its Council.

Born in Wellington, Mr Andrew was educated at Nelson College, his father being headmaster of that College. From Nelson he went to Oxford University, where he obtained the Bachelor of Arts degree. Returning to Wellington, he passed the necessary examination, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1891. He had charge of one of the departments in Mr Brandon's office for some time, and in January, 1898, became a partner with Mr R. C. Hamerton, which partnership continued until the sad accident terminated it. Some ten years ago Mr Andrew married a daughter of the late Mr John Morrison, of Blairlogie, Wairarapa. Mr and Mrs Andrew had five children, the youngest of whom is nine months old. The deceased gentleman was very popular in Wellington, and took an active part in all movements in which he became interested. He was a member of the Council, and Honorary Treasurer of the Wellington Law Society, a member of Wellesley Club, and for several years was a vestryman of St. Mark's Church. Many circles in the city will miss his social qualities and enthusiasm.