BODIES IN RIVER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24423, 5 November 1942, Page 2

BODIES IN RIVER

YOUNG WOMAN AND MAN TRAGEDY AT HASTINGS BICYCLES UNDER BRIDGE (0.C.), HASTINGS, Wednesday The discovery of two bicycles and clothing under the Black Bridge at Haumoana on Sunday afternoon led to the recovery from the Tiskituki River | hy the police of two bodies. The victims' are:— Miss Joan Gunn, aged 22. of Hastings. Mr. Kenneth Robert Herd, married, aged 28, of Hastings. Both had been missing from Hastings since Sunday night. The body of the woman was recovered late yesterday afternoon and that of the man at an early hour this morning. A farmer of the district saw the bicycles and articles of clothing under the bridge 011 Sunday afternoon. He then thought they belonged to picnickers. but as they were still there late that night lie informed the Give police. There was nothing to indicate how the two deceased got into the water. The girl was employed at a factory, and the man, who leaves a wife and three young children, was employed at a freezing works. An inquest was opened before the district coroner, Mr. G. Ebbett, this morning. Joseph Gunn, father of the girl, stated that he last saw his daughter alive at mid-day on Sunday. He knew of no reason why she should take her life. The inquiry was adjourned sine dip.