SAD DROWNING ACCIDENT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17078, 4 September 1917, Page 4

SAD DROWNING ACCIDENT.

MR. C A. BARTON LOSES HIS LIFE.

The news that Mr. C. A. Barton lost Ins life by drowning on Sunday will come as a painful shock to a large circle of friends. The deceased gentleman, so far as can be gathered, was riding to his farm near Raetihi, accompanied by his youngest son (Reg.;, aged fifteen years, and a Maori. When crossing the Manganui-o-te-Au (a tributary of the Wangariui River), the Maori's' horse kicked Mr. Barton's mount, with the result- that the rider was thrown into the water and drowned. Search has been made for Mr. Barton's body, but so far without success.

The late Mr. Barton was one of tne best-known men in New Zealand, and certainty nobody could have been held is higher esteem. He came to Wanganui from Hokitika in 1900, having been appointed tp the Registrarship of the Supreme Court, and kindred oiiices. He was stationed in Wanganui.for thirteen years, when he was appointed Clerk of the Court at Auckland. He retired last year, after having completed over forty -years in the Government service. Of a bright, cheery, and straightforward nature, the late Mr. Barton made friends wherever he went, while as an officer of the Court he performed his duties with kindly zeal. * The deceased was keenly interested in athletics, and particularly in rowing, on which he was a recognised authority. While in Wanganm he was closely associated with the Union Boating Club, of which he was captain for several years. He was in every way a true friend and guide to the club. A widow and family of six are left to mourn their great loss. The daughters are Mrs. A. 3. Gibbons Wanganui). and Mrs. J. Bull (Waipukurau), and the sons are Mr. E. Barton (of Armstrong and Craig), Lieut. Gerald Barton (who went away with the Main Body, and has just left New Zealand again after returning for a commission), Sergt. J. Barton (who is in camp), and Reg. Barton (who was engaged on the farm with his father). To tho bereaved family we extend our sincere sympathy. i