FOUND DROWNED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23685, 17 December 1938, Page 11

FOUND DROWNED

ELDERLY MAN'S DEATH APPARENTLY STUMBLED INTO RIVER Albert Thompson, aged 72 years, of Arrowtown, met his death under tragic circumstances on Monday last. Mr Thompson, who resided with his nephew, Mr Ernest Thompson, went for his usual after-dinner walk, and when he did not return at tea-time a search was made by several oarties. The search was continued throughout the night, and the body was found at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, in five feet of water in the river at the back of the township. The first indication of the tragedy was the finding of the deceased's hat on the river bank, and it was conlectured that, as he was practically blind and not very active, he" had stumbled and fallen into the river.

An inquest was held on Tuesday evening before the district coroner. Mr D. F. Sutherland. After hearing the evidence of Mr Ernest Thompson and Constable Roycroft. who organised the search parties, a verdict was returned that the deceased was found drowned, there being no evidence to show how he had got into the water.

Mr Thompson was a native of Nevis, and is survived by two brothers. Messrs Edward and William Thompson, who reside at Arrowtown.