TRAGEDY AT THE WHARF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2125, 6 July 1907, Page 2

TRAGEDY AT THE WHARF.

A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR. A crowd collected at the wharf about 7.30 last night owing to the finding of a hat and blood maAs on the lender of the barque Constance Craig. Investigation showed that there were boot marks, etc., down the side of the vessel and wharf and evidently some one had fallen and struck the planking sufficiently to draw blood. The Constance Craig was berthed on the town side of the Tuatea and the mai'ks were just opposite the mainmast.

Mr. McLouglilin, night- watchman, telephoned for the police and Constables Irwin and Doyle quickly arrived on the scene and instituted a thorough search among the piles supporting the wharf. Boat hooks, poles and everything suitable, were pressed into service, but for a long time without avail.

Captain Sewell had occasion to be using his row boat and joined ,in the search, feeling his way underneath tho wharf and using his boat hook. The jjersistence of the party was at length rewarded and a few yards from the blood marks Captain Sewell at length struck something lying on tho mud.

Gripping with his hook he brought the body of a msyi to the surface of the water and a rope was placed round his armpits and he was hoisted up by many willing helpers. Dr. Scott, who was present, pronounced life to be extinct.

The body was identified as that of John Rait, a plumber employed bv Wade and Gray.

An inquest will probably be held today.