DROWNING FATALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1920, Page 4

DROWNING FATALITY

INQUEST HELD,

An inquest was held at the police station, Hokitika yesterday afternoon, touching the death of Charles Ogilvie, who has been missing since the 6th inft. and whose body was found on the North Arahura beach on Tuesday afternoon.

Evidence was led by Sergt. McCarthy as to the identification of the body as that of Charles Ogilvie. Medical evidence was given also that death ap-1 peared to bo due to drowning. The medical testimony disclosed also that deceased had been under treatment for a rodent ulcer affecting the left eyo, and also for a rupture. From the evidence brought forward by the polioe, it appeared deceased left home early in the morning to take his customary walk to the river front. He appears to have been last seen crossing Re veil St. to the Stafford Street right of way leading to the beach. He was accosted there by Mr Wm. Burrowes of Kanieri at about 9.30 o’clock and they chatted for about ten minutes. The deceased was then in excellent spirits. _ Not returning home for breakfast his wife waiting beyond the usual hour, went in search and later informed the police, and a regular search was made. Two days later Mr W. J. Kerr of the Wakaiti noticed a Cardigan jacket down by the flagstaff, and learning that a man was missing handed the garment to the polioe, and it was later identified by Mrs Ogilvie as having been worn by her husband the morning he disappeared. The cap worn by the deceased was found also on the north beach by some children and brought to the police. The police made a search of the river and had the beach patrolled. Where the river was too deep to see the bottom clearly, the stream was

dragged, and particularly at a deep hole near the flagstaff at the river outlet. No further trace was obtained till the body was recovered on the North Arahura beach and brought to the Morgue for identification. The late Mr Ogilvie appeared to be in his usual spirits prior to his disappearance. He was about as usual the day before, and retired to bed at 8 o’clock the previous evening, and passed a quiet reposeful night. He rose about the usual hour, and went off for his morning stroll. He made no complaint about his health, though it was known he was iritated by the slowness with which the ulcer healed. His affairs were in order and there was nothing to occasion him any special worry. The Coroner returned a verdict of “found drowned.”

The funeral of the late Mr Chas Ogilvie took place at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, when a number of friends attended to pay a last tribute of respject. The Rev. P. B. Fraser M.A., hold a short service at the residenoe of the deceased, and subsequently conducted the burial service at the graveside. Much sympathy is being expressed to Mrs Ogilvie for her very sad bereavement.