UNKNOWN

Northern Advocate, 22 December 1919, Page 6

UNKNOWN

IN CHILDREN 'S PRESENCE. AUCKLAND, Dec. 20. A bathing fatality occurred at Sentinel road beach, Ponaonby, yesterday afternoon, Mr James Edwards, who lived at 15, Ardmore road, being drowned in the presence of his three children. Mr Edwards took his children, whose ages range from live to eight years, to the beach about four o'clock, and after they had been in the water, went in himself for a swim. When ho entered the- water he went to a rock from which to dive. The children saw him jump off, and noticed tint he did not rise to the surface, bin iliey> did not realise that anything im--I(iward had occurred. They continued dressing quietly, and, as their father did not reappear, went home and told their mother what had happened. Mrs Edwards immediately informed Mr Patrick Keenan, who proceeded to the scene of the accident in a rowing boat. At the side of the rock he saw the body .if deceased lying face down in about 4ft of water. A bruise was found on the forehead. Thebody was removed to the morgue, where an incjuest will be held this morning before I Mr.I.E. Wilson, S.M.

i\lr Edwards, who was about 36 years of age, was a returned soldier, having served in the Samoan Garrison for

iibnnt 2h years Assu