The Recent Drowning Fatality at Greymouth

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 16, 26 April 1923, Page 25

The Recent Drowning Fatality at Greymouth

Our Greymouth correspondent Avriting of the distressing droAvning fatality in the Grey River on Palm Sunday, says: The sad occurrence removed rfom St. Patrick’s parish, and indeed, from the West Coast, one of its most promising young Charles Vincent Fraser (“Micky”) Knapp, aged 12 years. Playing Avith some companions in a boat at that part of the river near the Cobden bridge, the boy fell in the Avater and, being unable to sAvim Avas droAvned. The accident occurred late in the afternoon, but the news quickly spread, and Avhen the body Avas dragged up some tiventy minutes aftev the accident a large croAvd had collected along the Avharf. The people of the toAvn Catholic and non-Catholic shocked at the ucavs, as the boy Avas Avell and Avidely knoAvn as a singer and athlete of no mean order. Only on the previous day he Avon the West Coast Schools’ Championship at the Dunollie sports, and at the public concert on that evening his Avas one of the most favored items. A touching feature, hoAvever, aa as the fact that as leading singer in Brother Hendrick’s boys’ choir, he had that morning been heard at early Mass in some beautiful hymn selections Avhich aroused comment by all present. He Avas the soul and body of this unique little choir and will be missed by the congregation, for his place cannot be filled. The deceased aa;is of an exemplary character for one of his tender years. Despite his markedly superior mental and physical attainments, he Avas most unassuming, and by his innate charm and natural reserve he Avon the deep esteem of both teachers and school-felloAvs. His gifted voice Avas commented upon by more than one distinguished visitor. In the athletic field he acquired equally remarkable distinction. In addition to the championship Avon on the day prior to his 'death, he had to his credit the high-jump championship (4ft Sin) of the Coast and long-jump (14ft). When only ten years of age, he secured at a sports meeting tAvo years ago six first and tAvo seconds in Open schools’ events under 16. The, “times” he had put up Avere unique—looyds in 13 seconds, and 220yds in 30 Seconds at last St. Patrick’s Day Sports! To his sorrowing parents, and to the Marist Brothers’ Avho taught

him, is extended the sympathy of a wide circle of friends. His death ,was a terrible blow, but it must have been some consolation to his dear ones to witness the beautiful tribute paid to a boy in the impressive funeral ceremony. Solemn Requiem was celebrated, and as the cortege left the church the “Dead March” from “Saul” was played by Miss Lena Higgins. The funeral, in which the altar boys in cassocks and surplices and school children took part, Avas one of the best-attended and most beautiful and pathetic yet seen in Greymouth. The deceased’s surplice and cassock were placed above the casket, Avhich was surrounded by Avreaths from all classes. It Avas like the funeral of a little missionary, and brought home to all the force of the words “Precious in the sight of God is the death of His Saints.” —R.I.P.