SHOCKING OCCURRENCE IN RECREATION GROUPS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9190, 18 September 1891, Page 2

SHOCKING OCCURRENCE IN RECREATION GROUPS.

MR. J. T. DAVIS FOUND DROWNED IN THE LAKE. HIS CLOTHES FOUND AT THE BATHING-HOUSE. FULL DETAILS OF FINDING THE BODY. Sohe sensation was caused in town early this morning when it became known that Mr James Thomas Davis, ironmonger, &c , whose business place is in Dovon-street, and private residence in Dawson-street, was found drowned in the Recreation Grounds lake. On enquiry it seems that about 7.30 this morning a gang of prfsoners went from the gaol to work in the grounds. Mr T. Wolner, one of the warders, perceived some clothes on tho verandah of the bathing-house, and seeing no one about he wondered to whom tho articles belonged. A few minutes afterwards Masters Harry Bauchope and Harry Murray came to bathe in tho lake, and, after some conversation with Mr Wolner, Master Murray got in a canoe and proceeded round the lake to see if he could perceive anything. On the side of the lake opposite the bathing shed, about ton feet from tho bank, young Murray was horrified to sco the dead body of a man. The body, which was quito nude, was in an upright position, with the I head showing out of the water. The party than gotto work, and pulled tho body ashore, and carried it to tke bathing shed. Just after the recovery of the body Mrs Davis and Mrs Yates (sister of the deceased) came to tho grounds to look for him, as ho had not been home. Mr Claffey, custodian of the grounds, was despatched for Dr O'Carroll, who on arrival stated that the body must have been in the water for about six hours. The deceased gentleman left Mrs Yates', where ho had been spending tho evening, at about ten o'clock on Thursday night, and as far as known that was the last time he was seen alive. It is thought that, it being light — the moon being at its full — and the evening very warm, Mr Davis, who is fond of the water, had undressed to bathe, and had 8 warn across the lake, when, boing seize J with cramp in the water, he was drowned. The only articles that were found about the clothes were a letter in connection with lodge work, and a key, presumably the key of his shop. The deceased gentleman was wellknown in the town as one who was always promoting the well-being of the community. He was a steward of the Jockey Club, a Director of tbe Taranaki Land, Building & Investment Society; Chairman of tho Recreation Grounds Board; Superintendent of the Fire Brigade; and a prominent member of the Foresters, at the time of his death. He had been a member of the Jubilee Committee, and also a member of the Borough Council. Mr Davis had always taken the keenest interest in the Recreation Grounds, the " Poet's Bridge," that spans the lake, being built at his individual expense. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and two young children to mourn their loss. The body, which was in charge of the police in the Grounds, was removed to the deceased's residence, in Dawson-street, between 11 and 12 o'clock. THE INQUEST. An inquest concerning the death of James Thomas Davis was held in the Courthouse at 2 o'clock, before C. Rennell, Esq., J.P., acting Coroner, and the following jury: — J. Paul (foreman), Abner King, W. A. King, H. Gilmour, F. Stohr, and J. Partington. As »oon as tbe inquest was formally opened, the jury retired to view tbe body, and on returning evidence was taken.