DROWNING TRAGEDY AT TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 58

DROWNING TRAGEDY AT TAPANUI.

THE BODY RECOVERED. (From Ode Own Correspondent.) TAPANUI, May 18. The body of the late Mr Malcolm Robertson was recovered from the Pomahaka this morning at 8 o’clock, and was found by deceased's brother John (of Timaru). The river had sufficiently cleared to enable th« body to be seen in a deep hole 300 or 400 yards below where the accident happened. Two men and a special boat were procured from Port Chalmers and were engaged systematically dragging the river all day Thursday. There is n D evidence as to exactly how the accident happened, but it appears plain that deceased had shot something and had run along the river bank to the shingle beach before entering- the water. An inquest was held this morning, and a verdict of accidental drowning returned by the coroner (Mr \V. Quin, J.P.). Tho late Mr Robertson was a thoroughly practical farmer, and his tragic end is a great calamity. He was a keen volunteer and a lieutenant in the Tapanui Riflle Volunteers when formed at the close of tho Boer War. He look an active interest in the Farmers’ Union and agricultural interests generally. . lie leaves a widow and one daughter, for whom much sympathy is expressed.