MAORI PA DROWNING FATALITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 28 January 1936, Page 4

MAORI PA DROWNING FATALITY

DEATH OF YOUNG MAN

VERDICT AT INQUEST

An inquest into the death of Robert Williams, aged 22 years, who was drowned while swimming at Alaori Pa on Sunday morning was held yesterday afternoon by the Coroner Air T. E. Maunsell S.AI. , James Wililams, of Alaori Pa, father of the deceased, said his son was 22 years of age. He went for a swim at 10.30 o’clock. He was a poor swimmer. Mr G. Westley told him that a man was drowning and he realised it would be his sou. The tide was making strongly at the time.

Harry Williams said he went for a swim with his brother at about 10.30 o’clock on Sunday morning. His brother wished him to swim across the channel to the Peninsula a distance of about, 300 yards It was not a dangerous place for a good swimmer. There was a strong current running. His brother had never before swam across the channel. The full tide was at 12.30 p.m. The water was shallow for some of the distance to the Peninsula, but deeper near the channel. Ernest George Westley, of Teal Valley, Ilira, said he had been fishing on the beach at the Peninsula. His party were having a picnic. Witness said he saw deceased swimming and he appeared quite all right. The first time deceased sank witness thought he was diving. Then he rose again and pufl up" his arms and sank. Air 0. Bonnington was rowing some members of the party ashore and witness drew his attention to the bather in difficulty. None of the party could swim. The boat was rowed out to the scene but the search was unsuccessful. They then used the fishing net to drag for the body but without result. The body was found about an hour or hour and a half afterwards.

Clarence William Herbert, of Tasman, who was at the Pa at the time, said he assisted in the search for the body. One of his companions saw something under the water near the shore and drew his attention to it. Witness swam out and dived to bring the bodv in to the beach. Senior-Sergeant C. Petersen said he was informed of the fatality and arrived at the Pa at 11.15 a.m., accompanied by Constable Rush. There were no marks on the body and the appearance was such that he was convinced death was due to drowning. The Coroner said the evidence made it clear that the unfortunate currence was due to‘accidental drowning, and returned a verdict to that elect.