A SAD FATALITY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 8 December 1908, Page 5

A SAD FATALITY.

TASMANIAN AGENT-GENERAL

DROWNED.

(United Press Association. —Copyright. Received December 7, 11.15 p.m. LONDON, December 7. Hon. Mr Alfred Dobson, C.M.G., Agent-General for Tasmania, travelled alone on a flying visit to Paris and returned on Saturday via Boulogne, apparently quite cheerful and in normal health, aboard the mail steamer Victoria. He was seen at eight in. the evening within two miles of Folkestone, sitting on the rail of tho vessel's stern. The mate,, approaching/ warned him of his danger, and had scarcely spoken when Mr Dobson lost his balance, threw up liis hands, and fell backwards from r, height of 24 feet into the sea, which was calm. The vessel was steady, and was doing about 23 knots. The Victoria was stopped as quickly as possiblo and lifebelts were thrown over and a boat lowered. They searched fruitlessly for upwards of twenty minutes. It is. assumed thai" Mr' Dobson was

overcome by giddiness, 'as ho had complained of dizziness during the previous two or three days. It is feared i that as ho was seated immediately over tho screw he fell against the blades. ' Deceased's name was ascertained from his portmanteau," and tho authorities at Kensington were informed. They broke the 'news to his widow, who- hastened to Folkestone without further information. Mr, Dobson's cousin stated that there could bo no suggestion of tho fall other than accidental, as deceased's domestic life and public career* Vwero all that Mr Dobson >could wish. Ho added that since deceased's marriago a few months ago, nothing could have been happier than his home, and nothing had occurred to make him de-v

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