Death Of Frank Roberts.

Samoanische Zeitung, Volume 20, Issue 17, 24 April 1920, Page 8

Death Of Frank Roberts.

EXPIRES ON THE BEACH AT ALEIPATA. News was received in town on Wednesday morning to the effect that Mr. Frank Roberts, who controlled Messrs. Churchward & Ah Sue's store at Saluafata, had met his death at Aleipata shortly after mid-day on Tuesday, under rather unusual circumstances. It appears that Mr. and Mrs. Edward Westbrook with a child in arms in company % with Mr. Frank Roberts, were walking along the beach at Aleipata, preparatory to boarding the "Nancy" to come up to Apia. It is stated that Mr. Westbrook, who was carrying the child, had occasion to put out his hand to ward off Frank Roberts who had got in the former's way. as he was walking along. As far. as can be ascertained the action of Mr, • Westbrook was not in the nature of a blow. However,

Frank Roberts fell heavily on the and it was soon noticed that something serious had happened. Frank Roberts was dead in less than 20 minutes. Mr. Westbrook did all ..he possibly could to resuscitate the deceased, but without avail, The following morning Mr. Westbrook arrived in town, on the "Nancy" with the deceased's body, shortly before 9 a.m,, and immediately reported the matter, at the same placing himself at the disposal of the police. The body was conveyed to hospital, where a post mortem examination was held, and it is understood that the cause of death was found to be apoplexy. Mr. Westbrook was* detained by the police, pending an investigation. . The funeral took place at 4 o'clock in . the afternoou, with military honours, when

a salute was fired and the "Last Rgst" sounded. The funeral, conducted by the Rev. Frank Joseland, was largely attended. The deceased' was the fourth volunteer to leave Samoa for the Front, where he passed through the Battles of the Somnie, subsequently being "gassed" arid invalided hotne k Both the deceased and Mr. Westbrook served in the same regiment. The deceased's name, "Frank Roberts" was an adopted one/ His real name is Frank Ah Sue, He was a younger half brother to the late Mr. James Ah Sue. Deceased was 29 years of age and leaves a wife and family.