OTAMARAKAU DEATH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 132, 6 March 1940, Page 5

OTAMARAKAU DEATH

YOUNG BOY DROWNED CORONER'S VERDICT A verdict that Alan Richardson, aged 4 years and 11 months, was drowned while attempting to cross the mouth of the Otamarakau Stream was returned "by the" coroner, Mr G. A. Brabant, J.P., yesterday.

Horace Alfred Richardson deposed that on the afternoon of Sunday, February 25th his son had asked permission to play with some other children on the beach. His son could not swim. Witness was informed at about 3.M0 p.m. thai Alan had been washed out to sea. Witness described bow lie found the body on Monday, March 4lh, about half a milfc on the Matata side of the Otamarakau Railway Station. Maurice Richardson, aged S, said he accompanied his brother and other children to the mouth oi: the river. He saw Alan attempt to walk across the river. A large wave knock ed him over and carried him outi to sea. Witness ran to the ]Nlc\oii Pa for help. Robert Kenneth Richardson, aged 6, another brother, gave corroborative evidence and Constable F. M. Fuller detailed the result of inquiries and the condition of the body when found.

INQUEST TO-DAY

DEATH OF MAT AT A RESIDENT An inquest will be opened this morning into the death of a Matata woman which occurred on Mon day night. Detail's of the evidence will be published in Friday's issue.