DROWNED AT SEA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2368, 8 December 1908, Page 5

DROWNED AT SEA.

THE AGENT-GENERAL FOR TASMANIA.

FALLS FROM A CHANNEL

STEAMER

United Press Association, Copyright (Received Dec. 7, 11.3 p.m.)

LONDON, Dec. 7. Tlie Hon. Alfred Dobson, AgentGeneral for Tasmania, "was travelling alone on a flying visit to Paris, and returning on Saturday via Boulogne, apparently quite cheerful and in normal health aboard the mail steamer Victoria. He was seen at 8 in the evening, when the boat was within two miles of Folkestone, sitting on the rail of the vessel’s stern. The ■mate approaching, warned him of the danger, and had scarcely spo'ken when Mr. Dobson lost his balance, threw up his hands, and fell backwards from a height of 24 feet into the sea, which was calm. The vessel was steady, going 23 knots. She was stopped as quickly as possible, lifebelts thrown, a boat lowered, and a search, made for upwards of twenty minutes fruitlessly-

It is assumed that Mr. Dobson was overcome by giddiness. He had complained the previous two or three days of dizziness. It is feared that as he was seated immediately over tho screw he fell against the blades. His name was ascertained from his port-

manteau,... The authorities at Kensington were informed, -and broke the news to his widow, who hastened t-o Folkestone. Without further information Mr. Dobson’s cousin stated that there could bo no- suggestion that the fall was other than accidental. . . The domestic life and public career of Mr. Dobson wore all that he could wish. His cousin added that since his marriage a few months ago nothing could have been happier than his home, and there was nothing to make him depressed. [The Hon. Alfred Hobson, C.M.G., p was born in 1848, and was the son of the late Mr. John Dobson, of Gateshead and Hobart. He became a member of the House of Assembly of Tasmania in 1877, iand filled the positions, of Attorney-General and Speaker of the Assembly and Solicitor-General. ' He was made a C.M.G. in 1904. A cable message from Hobart received early this morning states that Mr. Dobson was recently offered the position of third Judge ip Tasmania, but refused it. 3: