FOUND DROWNED

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 450, 2 January 1934, Page 4

FOUND DROWNED

SWIMMING BATHS CUSTODIAN Hawera, Today. James Dowdle, custodian of the Hawera swimming baths, was found drowned in the pool about 10 p.m. on Saturday. He had then been dead for an hour or so. When Dowdle did not return home at the expected time on Saturday evening his sons. Clive and Trevor, went to look for him. His dog was found outside the baths building but no sign could at first be found of the missing man other than his hat, coat and waistcoat. A thorough search then disclosed his body in the deep end of the pool. It was in an almost upright position. The door of the buildings was locked. The lights were out and the search was made by torch light. It was Dowdlo’s practice to empty the pool on Saturday evenings. It is understood, however, that the lever with which to open up the sluices was in the office so it would appear that he had not commenced this operation at the time of hi- death. The inquest will probably not be held for some weeks, Dowdle was an enthusiast in the discharge of his duties, paying particular attention t 0 teaching children to swim. Recently an apparatus he constructed for this purpose attracted favourable attention in other parts of New Zealand. He was a prominent non commisioued officer of the Salvation Army at Hawera and pjayed in the Hawera Army band. He was a keen bird fancier, his canaries winning prizes at many shows. He is survived by his wif 1 and three sons, Trevor, Albert and Olive.