TINIROTO DROWNING CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2381, 23 December 1908, Page 4

TINIROTO DROWNING CASE.

THE INQUEST

VERDICT OF ACCIDENTALLY

DROWNED

On Monday afternoon, at Tiniroto. Mr H. E. Kent, J.P. held an inquest concerning the death of the young tman Cecil Bentham. The following comprised the jury:—'Messrs F. 'Morice (foreman). D. Howell, J. Berry, C. Morice, W. A. Beacom, and R. Wheels n.

Mounted-Constable Dandy, of Gisborne, represented the policed James S. Paterson, sheepfarmer, gave evidence that deceased came to his station in /May last to learn farming.

William Sutherland, sheepfarmer. stated that deceased went home from churcli with him and his family on Sunday morning, and in the afternoon, with witness’s son and da ugh-, ter, together with Miss Morice and Miss Davidson, went for a walk towards the Hangaroa river. David Sutherland, son of the above witness, stated that ho suggested to deceased they should go for a bathe, and accordingly they left the ladies and went down to the river bank. Thp water looked deep, and deceased asked him to go ill first, which ho did. The water was not above his chest. Ho then swam out across the river, and on looking back saw deceased splashing about in the water. Suddenly his hands went up, and deceased, who was in the swift current, appeared to bo out of 'his depth. Witness made to liis assistance, and whilst going towards him deceased disappeared. He rose twice before witness, who was not a good swimmer, and was swimming against a strong current, got near. Witness was Bftor 10ft awlay when deceased disappeared the second time. 'Witness, being exhausted, swam to shallow water, and oh turning round saw deceased come up and disappear again for the last time. He went down the river a short distance in the hope of seeing the current wash the body into view, hut he could find no trace of it. The search continued until dark, hut was then unsuccessful. Mounted-Constable Dandy gave formal evidenco as to the recovery of the bodv on the following morning. The jury returned a. verdict that deceased got beyond his depth, being swept down the river and accidentally drowned, coming to- -liis death by misfortune, no blame being attachable to anyone.