DROWNING TRAGEDY AT TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 6

DROWNING TRAGEDY AT TAPANUI.

NO TRACE OF BODY. . (From Oob Own Correspondent.) TAI’ANUI, May 15. It seems to be accepted beyond doubt that Mr Malcolm Robertson, a well-known farmer on the Tapanui Flat, has been drowned in the Pomahaka River. He left home on Monday morning with a gun and bag, and, not having returned at midday, search was made. Late in the afternoon the gun and bag were found on the bank of the river, The gun had a discharged shell, and the footprints of rapid strides would indicate that he had shot a shag or a duck, and in endeavouring to recover it got into difficulties. Preparations are being made to drag the river, and wires have been stretched across, but the stream is in flood, and the work is difficult of accomplishment The calamity has cast quite a gloom over the community. May 12. Search was continued all day yesterday for the body of Mr Malcolm Robertson, but without success Grappling irons were used, but the high state of the river and the water being dirty rendered the work very difficult, the irons being frequently snagged on timber, etc. Near Pomahaka bridge barbed wires were stretched across the river on the chance of intercepting any passing object. A large party of neighbours took part in searching the river banks. llow the aeoident happened is a mystery, as where the footprints led into the river there was a gravel beach, with a gradual slope into the water, and as Mr Robertson was a strong swimmer it can only be concluded that he took cramp apd was helpless. It would appear that lie ran along tho bank for a considerable distance and probably was heated when he entered the water. Unless the body has been carried by the force of the current, it may l>e lodged in some of the deep pools as there was 12ft of water at the spot where he is supposed to have entered. Until the river falls and becomes clear little more c*an be done, but the search is still being prosecuted. Mr Alex. Robertson, of Crookston, was on his way to Tirnaru to attend the marriage of his brother John, and both arrived at Tapanui last evening. It may be some flays before the body is recovered. In a previous drowning case near the same place (that of Mr R S. Elliot, a Tapanui Flat farmer), which occurred on October 20, 28 5. the body was not found till a fortnight after the accident despite continuous searching. A correspondent says that the unfortunate man, in chasing the game he had apparently shot, came too near a shelving bank, which gave way under his weight. He was a good swimmer. Deceased was a prosperous, well-known farmer, whose name was well known at Burnside Market as the producer of highpriced sheep. By a curious coincidence, his eldest son was drowned in a water-race on the same farm some years ago, and an elder brolher met his fate in the Waitaki River whilst fishing.