DROWNING ACCIDENT AT OTAKI

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9044, 15 May 1915, Page 7

DROWNING ACCIDENT AT OTAKI

From Our Own Correspondent. OTAKI, May 4. Much regret was expressed locally yesterdav when it became known that ’Mr W. Cipher t (“Wanderer”), had been found drowned in the Otaki river. It appears that recently he cam© over "from Kapiti, whore he had been living, and on Tuesday accompanied two ot Mr F. J. Ryder's sons into Otaki. After a short sojourn there, they started on the return, via the Otaki bridge, after crossing which they deckled to take a short cut. The youngsters climbed the bank, but Mr Olphert, who is well up in years, proved unequal to the task, and advised the children to go on, saying ho - would follow later. Ho failed to turn up at the homestead, and Mr Ryder made a search, which was abandoned during the darkness. The next day it was resumed, and be also communicated with Constable Satherley, but that official was in Wellington. On his return next day (Thursday), he was (lommunicatcd ivith, but before set. ting out for the search, advised Air Ryder to look in the deep holes, with the result that the body was found. An inquest will be hold to-day (Friday). The deceased was well known in this district, and for some considerable time resided in Paraparaumu, acting as correspondent for several newspapers. He was ivell liked, and took a keen interest in various branches ot sport and amusement in general. For many vears ho. was a schoolmaster of high standing, hut latterly has been tutor to children at Kapiti Island. At the inquest to-day, a verdict was returned that deceased was drowned, hut that there was no evidence to show how ho got into the water.