MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 29

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.

WELL-KNOWN TRAINER’S DEATH. AUCKLAND, September 1. A passenger by the steamer Rarawa, Mr Charles W-. Copeman, a well-known raoehorse trainer, was lost overboard from tho ship early this morning on the trip from New Plymouth to Onehunga. As line weather, with smooth seas, was experienced throughout the voyage the manner in which Mr Copeman went overboard is a mystery. He was last seen by the nighfc watchman at an early hour this morning. There is nothing to indicate that he deliberately jumped into the sea. In a statement to the Onehunga police, William Hastings, a jockey, said that both he and his employer, Mr Copeman, boarded the Rarawa at New Plymouth last evening, and occupied the same cabin. Mr Copeman turned in at 8 o’clock, occupying the bottom bunk. Hastings retired at 10 p.m., at which hour Mr Copeman wa* asleep. About 2 o’clock this morning Mr Copeman asked Hastings to get him some tablets from the steward. An hour later the steward, who had at first been unable to find the tablets, gave several to Mr Copeman, who then went to sleep. At 5 o’clock Mr Copeman left the cabin, saying he was going to the lavatory. Hastings did not afterwards see deceased, who nad never made any mention of suicide or worry. Mr Copeman was seen going on deck by the night watchman about 5 o’clock. He was first missed an hour later by the bedroom steward. A diligent search was then made of the ship, w’hich was about 13 miles south of Manukau Heads, but without result. On the arrival of the Rarawa at Onehunga at half-past eight, the matter was reported to the police. Mr Copeman. who nad three horses on the steamer, was one of the most popular trainers, and for many years he has prepaied winners for various owners. A 3 a lad he was apprenticed to the late Mr J. B. Williamson, but most of his riding was done in jumping races. Increased weight compelled him to give up riding, and he set up as a trainer. Omati and Discover were two useful sprinters he had to begin with, and other good horses to come along later were Landlock, Leoator, and Apologue, afterwards won the Melbourne Cup. Dingo, a good stesmleohaser, and Poanui were the best jumpers to be! trained by him. Mr Copeman leaves a widow, but no family.