Untitled

New Zealand Mail, 21 February 1901, Page 61

The “ Pelorus Guardian ” of February 8 gives further particulars of the death by drowning in the Wakamarina river on the 3rd inst of Mr Herman Francis Pell, son of Mr Gustave Poll, chief custodian of the Legislative'Council Chambers, and a much-respected Wellington citizen. The deceased, who was only twenty yeans of age 4 was engaged with others in building pontoons for the Golden Point- Dredging Company. Poll was in a dingey with a lad named Haughey, when the frail craft upset, and both were thrown into the river. Poll endeavoured to save his companion’s life, but, unfortunately, was drowned himself. Haughey had a narrow escape, but managed to reach the bank. The verdict returned by the Coroner’s jury was that deceased, met his death by misadventure. Young Poll was a fine young fellow, very popular with his fellow-workmen, and much sympathy has been expressed with kis bereaved parents. On the 12th, upon the application of Mr Baldwin, the Registrar of Patents granted costs to Thomas Ballinger against Henry Bedell in the case of opposition to grant of letters patent for a galvanised iron gutter bracket, and known as the “ Empire Bracket .” Mr Hughes appeared for the applicant, and withdrew tbe application at the hearing. A plea for retired teachers was recently made by a correspondent from Waitahuna Gully, in Otago, who referred, to the retirement of two public servants during one week. One, a schoolmaster, after forty years’ arduous and faithful work, retired 1 with a formal vote of thanks, while the other, a police sergeant, after thirty' years’ .service, received a substantial pension.