FOUND DROWNED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24738, 15 October 1941, Page 3

FOUND DROWNED

BODY ON BEACH An inqucsl into the death ot Alexander Thomas Gillick, aged 44, who disappeared from his home on August 2 last, and whose body was found on the St. Clair beach yesterday morning, was opened at the Morgue yesterday evening, Mr H. J. Dixon S.M. sitting as coroner. Sergeant Conway represented the police and Mr W. McAlevey appeared for the relatives of the deceased Evidence of identification was given by William Gillick, a brother of the deceased who stated that he had reported the deceased as missing from his home on August 2 last Witness last saw the deceased on July 30, when he appeared to be in his usual state of good health He had never at any time mentioned taking his own life

To Mr McAlevey: The deceased suffered from a disability of the left knee, so that if he fell down he would have to be assisted to his feet. Evidence of the finding ot the body was given by William Edward Hone, a resident of Christchurch, who said that as he was walking along St. Clair beach shortly after 10 o’clock yesterday morning he saw the body of a man lying on the sand about 30 yards from the corner of Beach street and the EsplamWe The body appeared to have been in the water for a considerable time Witness at once notified the police.

Constable MacKenzie gave evidence ot having removed the body to the Morgue, and stated that there were no marks on it to indicate violence. At this stage the inquest was adjourned sine die