Fatality at Takaka.

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8365, 28 September 1895, Page 2

Fatality at Takaka.

[By Telbgbaph.] [fbom our own oobbkspondbht.] Takasa, September 27. At. one o'clook this morning, Mr Josiah J3eardmore, a carpenter, v.ho patented an adjustable clothes dryer, was found in his own well head downwards. The well is fourteen feet deep, and contains two feet of water. He leaves a wife and a large family in destitute circumstances. He had been ill and miserable for some time, and last night he laid on the bed, but got up at midnight. He did not return, and his wife, becoming alarmed, called the brothers Halftone, who found the deceased as described. His neck was broken. Ihe well had a trap door, which was found open, which led to the discovery of deceased. He was not long from England, and his family are in great straits ; the storekeepers and neighbors are giving them food and clothes. THe sad event gave a great shock to every one, for deceased waa well-known and respected. He h&s numerous relatives at Upper Takaka. Another correspondent wires that the Messrs Haldane brothers were assisted by Messrs Hayes and P. Palmer in getting the deceased out of £he well, and that he was not quite cold at that time. Constable Nash is at present in Nelson, and Dr Satchel! wired to Sergeant-Major Pratt asking what steps should be taken aa to inquest. Sergeant-Major Pratt has in- | structed Constable Dew, of Collingwood, to proceed to Takaka and take the necessary steps for holding same.