A BATHING FATALITY AT NAPIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2468, 5 April 1909, Page 5

A BATHING FATALITY AT NAPIER.

DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION DROWNED.

[Per Press Association.]

NAPIER, April 4. Mr. Richard P. Clarkson, director of the Napier Technical School, was drowned at the men’s bathing place on the town beach at about 5 o’clock on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Clarkson, who was a regular bather, was swimming a short distance from the shore, when he sank. It is said that he called for help: and it is supposed that he either became exhausted or was seized with cramp. There was scarcely any break on the beach at the time. Robert Lyman, the attendant, was not wearing his bathing clothes at the time, but he was soon m the water and continued diving for the body for about an hour without success. The body has not yet been recovered though dr a - ging has been continued since the b.vu affair occurred. Mr. Clarkson, who was a widenei, leaves a young family of five. He ha been in Napier about a year. He was an enthusiastic worker in the cause technical instruction, and had done valuable organising work since in* airi- ' “p,r r p v . p. Clarkson wos educated in Christchurch, where he entered the teaching profession. Subsequently li went- to”Palmerson North, and later accented the lie ad mastership of the Noimanbv school in Taranaki. J his position lie filled for many years, ultimately relinquishing it to take up the duties of principal of the Napier Technical School. Iu this connection the deceas ed exhibited such capacity that J®*» a few months back, appointed as Due tor of Technical Instruction for the Hawke’s Bay educational district. Mr. Clarkson was an exceptionally fine athlete. Fifteen years ago lie was one or the speediest cyclists m Neiv , and also played senior football in Can terbury. Tins fondness foi athletic pursuit! lie always retained, and last season lie cycled from the to Napier, calling at Gisborne and V airoa on route. He was also reported to be a fah swimmer. Mr. Clarkson was a man of strong characteristics, passes* ing great determination and eneigy, and was extremely popular with all who knew him. He was 39 years oi age, and leaves five children Ihei mother died 18 months ago, ju*t l»noi to his removal to Napier. |