FOUND DEAD IN THE BUSH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 13 July 1925, Page 4

FOUND DEAD IN THE BUSH

MISSING ORCHARD INSTRUCTOR The dead body of Mr Colin Craigie, (lie orchard instructor <1 Mapua, who lias been missing since 6th June last, was found yeslerdav afternoon in the bush near IVlovus Bridge. where he wat} last seen alive. About threes months ago, as stated previously, Mr Craigie had a nervous break-down, and wsis on three months sick leave, five weeks of which was still to run when he disappeared. On June dth he left his home at Mapua to come to Nelson, where lit' transacted some business on the following day. On the 6th he purilia sed a ear ticket at Newman's, garage for Relorus Bridge, where he got out, and was seen to cross the bridge and make towards the bush reserve. This was the last seen of Mr ( raigie so tar as can be ascertained.

Yesterday a party, comprised of ten settlers of Mapua. and Mr J. 11. Thorp, orchard instructor, lett tor the Relorus Bridge, where they were joined bv Constable Mitchell, of Havelock. Mr Bryant. and about 35 mill and bush hands. The party divided into two sections and began their search ala at 10 o’clock. I p till noon no trace ot Mr Craigie had been found; but on continuing after lunch his dead holy was discovered about a third of a mile in the bush on t lie Havelock side of the bridge. From the position of the body Mr Craigie bad apparently composed himscii tor sleep, and was wrapped in his otl sheet. In his haversack was a small quantity of biscuits. Nearby the's* were signs that, a fire had been lighted. When found Mr Craigie had evidently been dead for some considerable time.

An inquest is being hold this afternoon on the spot where the body was found.

The funeral of the late Mr ("raigie will be held to-morrow at Nelson.

The search party from Mapua com prised Messrs C. Higgs. \V. Higgs. L, II ill % I). Hoss, I). Blanche, J. Stitch bury. L. Trent. H. Ibbottsou. H. Thaw ley, 11. Wells* and J. 11. Thorp (orchard instructor!.