DEATH OF MR A. REID.

West Coast Times, Issue 2787, 7 March 1878, Page 2

DEATH OF MR A. REID.

Wellington, Mai eh G.

The Captain of the Taupo reports to the police that Mr Alcxaudcr Reid, the wellknown journalist, came on board at Lyttcltou, paying his passage for Auckland on board. He was last seen about half-past ten last night when off Kaikoura. When missed the ship was searched for him, but he could not be found. 4 p.m.

Mr Reid was on his way from Lyttelton to Auckland aboard the Taupo, and about half-past teu last night he came on deck with a fellow passenger, who, after taking a turn round the deck, came back to where he left Mr Reid, but not seeing him concluded he went to his cabin, and went below himself without mentioning the matter to any one. He says the steamer was pitching a good deal at the time, the sea pretty rough, and the night dark. He thinks he lost his balance upon a sudden lurch and got thrown overboard before he could recover himself.

(from a correspondent).

Wellington, March 6.

A special published by the Argus, in giving an account of the disappearance of Mr Alex. Eeid, says— Yesterday afternoon, just as the steamer Taupo was leaving Lyttelton he went on board and took a ticket for Auckland, to which place he was going to see one of his brothers who has recently arrived from Home. He had tea on board with the other passengers in the evening, and then feeling unwell he lay down on a couch, and fell asleep. About ten o'clock one of his fellow passengers woke Mr Reid, and asked him to go on deck to have "a breath of fresh air." They went on deck together, and after remaining a few minutes, Mr Reid's friend went down to the cabin whle Mr Reid remained ou deck. Mr Reid then appears to have gone to the smoking-room, and after saying a few words to another friend there, he went out on deck again. The person who bad brought Mr Reid ou deck, came up stairs shortly afterwards, but not anything of him, concluded that he had gone down stairs to his berth. As Mr Reid did not appear at the breakfast table this morning, search was made, and it was found his berth had not been occupied, aud that he could not be found iv any part of the vessel.

The Post in noticing this-sad occurrence says :— " So this is the melancholy end of the life and career of the genial, kindly, generous, and warm-hearted Alexander Reid. We do not believe there is another journalist or pressman in New Zealand who was more heartily liked by his numerous friends than was Alex. Reid ; a clever writer, a cheery companion with a never failing flow of pleasant genial talk, and with a good nature that nothing could ruffle; to know the man was to love him."