DROWNED IN A CREEK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18635, 29 April 1924, Page 6

DROWNED IN A CREEK.

FALL FROM PLANK IN FIT. RETURNED SOLDIER'S DEATH [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN-' CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAHEI. Mondav. A well-known returned soldier, Mr. Alfred Ernest Clarke, owner of an orchard on the Maunu Road, was found drowned in the Waiariki Creek, at -the end of Cook Street, yesterday afternoon. The spot was below where the stream runs between steep, slippery, unprotected banks. Deceased had evidently tried to cross on a plank six inches wide. The evidence at an inquest held this afternoon showed that the deceased had been in ill-health off and on ever since his return from the war, where he had long service. He. had grown much worse lately, and somewhat distraught in manner, complaining of dizziness and head pains. A verdict was returned that deceased came by his death "accidentally by falling off the plank across the stream while suffering from an epileptic fit. Deceased was single, 43 years of age, and was the fourth son of the late Mr. William and Mis. Elizabeth Clarke. In his earlier years he was a well-known local Rugby footballer, and before the war was a member of the firm of Clarke Bros;, fruit-canners.