LATE CAPT. WILLIAMSON.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 October 1926, Page 7

LATE CAPT. WILLIAMSON.

THE INQUEST. By Teicrraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, October 6. Tho disappearance of Captain R. A. Williamson, ou September 15, was ■solved'by the discovery of his body in the ■ harbour by the wharf nolice at 11 o’clock to-day. near Thorndnn wharf. There were no signs of violence. The deceased was wearing his ring and his watch, and there was a .small sum ol money in the pockets of his clothes.

The late Captain 'Williamson, on the arrival nt Auckland of llic Mamma, which bo commanded, came to the head office in "Wellington to report. He left in the morning with the understanding that bo was to return later, but since then, until to-day bad not been heard of. For many years the late Captain Williamson had been in the service of the Union Steam Ship Company, engaged in tho Australian passenger trade, and was formerly captain of the ' Manuka. He leaves a widow, boy of ten, and a girl of four. Nothing was found on the bodv to give a reason for liis disappearance.

Ah inquest concerning the death of Captain Williamson was held by Mr W. J. Riddell to r day.

Captain Foster, marine superlndenileht of the Union Company, said the deceased arrived in 'Wellington from Auckland on September 15. He had been specially sent for. He reached the office at 9.35 and left at 9.50. He was instructed to return at noon, but failed to do so. In answer to Mr Brown, who watched the proceedings ou behalf of tbe widow, witness said the rumours current about the deceased were without foundation and groundless. Any point that needed clearing up had been done to tile Company’s entire satisfaction. Detective Tucklebank said bo was talking to deceased, whom lie knew well, on the morning of September 15. Deceased appeared normal, but a bit tired after the journey. Witness last saw him walking towards Tborndon. After evidence of identification, the Coroner said there was nothing to show that deceased was anything but in normal health. He returned a verdict that he had been found drowned in tho Wellington Harbour, but 'there was no evidence to show how he got into the water.