BODY FOUND IN THE HARBOUR.

Timaru Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 1660, 14 January 1895, Page 3

BODY FOUND IN THE HARBOUR.

About half-past 12 o'clock yesterday afternoon the body of a well known old time racing man named Fred Hedge was found floating m the waters of the harbour, just off the steps at the end of the main wharf. The case is supposed to be one of suicide. Hedge was seen by several persons going along the wharf between 10 and 11 o'clock, but there was nothing unusually strange m his behaviour to warrant anyone m concluding that he intended to do anything rash, and to all appearances he appeared to be perfectly sober. The man's coat, hat and waistcoat were found laid on one of the platforms under the wharf, leading to the conclusion that he had proceeded along the wharf, walked down the stepa at the end of it, partly undressed andjumpedin. The body when found was close to the steps ; it was taken out of the water as quickly as possible ; medical aid was summoned, and the police were informed of the occurrence. Dr Hogg on arrival found life to be extinct, and the police had the body removed to the Royal Hotel, where an inquest will be held at half-past 11 o'clock this morning. Fred Hedge, we may add, was well known among racing men m this colony. He was at one time among the foremost of steeplechase riders, both at grand national and minor meetings. Of late he had fallen on Hard times, and it is said had become very despondent.