CONSTABLE CARSON'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15483, 15 December 1913, Page 5

CONSTABLE CARSON'S DEATH

PROCEEDINGS AT INQUEST. DANGERS OF BATHING. FUNERAL OF THE VICTIM. The circumstances surrounding the death of Constable William James Carson, who was drowned while bathing at Devonport on Friday afternoon, were investigated by Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., of Devonport, on Saturday. The circumstances of the drowning were related by Constables Francis Henry Bourke and Richard Wade, who were in the water with deceased when the fatality occurred. Constable Wade mentioned incidentally that in the vicinity of the accident a sandbank shelved into a deep channel, into which, witness said, the current seemed to draw him. In giving a verdict to the effect that death was due to accidental drowning, Mr. Frazer said it was a sad and most unfortunate affair. Bourke and Wade had done all in their power to save their comrade, and they were to be commended for their efforts. Constable Bourke said that if life-saving appliances had been bandy, as they wero at Southern bathing resorts, the body might have been recovered in timo to restore animation. The sandbank referred to was very dangerous to nonswimmers or beginners. Mr. Frazer said that in view of the number of bathers using the beach, and the dangerous nature of the shoal and channel, he thought some form of lifesaving apparatus should bo provided to prevent similar casualties. In the meantime, however, notice boards warning bathers of the danger, should be erected. The funeral of tho deceased officer, which took place yesterday afternoon, was attended by 80 constables, seven sergeants (all in uniform), 12 detectives, and 16 of the mounted "specials." Superintendent Kiely, Inspector MeGrath, SubInspector Johnston, Chief-Detective MacMahon, and Dr. Murray (police surgeon) were also present. the remains were met at the Devonport Wharf, and conveyed to the Presbyterian Church. The deceased was a native of Glasgow, and the St. Andrew's Pipe Band, under PipeMajor C. C. McDonald and Drum-Major D. Robinson, headed tho procession. A short service was held at the church by the Rev. Bethune, after which the procession lined up and marched to O'Neill's Point cemetery. En route the pipe band, with drums draped with crepe, played the lament, "Flowers of tho Forest," and at intervals on the way to the cemetery, "Scots Wha Ha'e." "At the graveside, whilst the last rites were performed, those present all stood at the salute. Many wreaths were forwarded.