DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1925, Page 2

DOMINION ITEMS.

LllY TKLEGHAI’Ii —I’KB I’ItESS ASSOCIATION.] AI'CKLAXD .MYSTERY. AFCKLAN’D, -March 31. The final stage of the mystery concerning, the body uf a man iound at Parilu Bay, Cape Colville, and cremated on the beach after the ojß’iiing of the inquest on Alarch 1. was rented when the inquest was resumed at Coromandel, Lei ore All* •). AN . Barker. Coroner.

It was supposed that the body was that of JoJni Clive 1 earson, third engineer of the at earner Canadian .Explorer. who disappeared from the ship when it was between the North Head and Tiritiri Island on February 1 11 on the way to Australia.

Constable Spellman gave evidence that .J. B. Paterson. Auckland manure!' for the Canadian Government Merchant .Marine, after seeing photogrui Its of the body, was quite convinced that it was that of Pearson. I lie police had communicated with tli? Queensland authorities, who had interviewed the captain and officers of the Canadian Explorer at Brisbane. Sworn statements were obtained from several persons on the ship and an official inquiry was held on February J 8 by xb Superintendent of .Mercantile Alarine at Brisbane. The following finding was iceoriled: "John t live Pearson, during* the night it Pehruary 10th.. 1<)25. was missed from hi-, room. A thorough search "'as made, but no tru e of Dim could he found. HR effects were left untouched, and the door of his room locked to await the ship’s arrival at Brisbane. Evidence indicates no likelihood of the man having committed suicide, nor was there any evidence to indicate foul play by the master or any member of the crew. I am further of opinion that John Clive Pearson disappeared from the ship at sea. by accident, and without the knowledge uf any person on hoard between the hours of 8 am 11,45 p.iii.. and that further inquiry

is unnecessary

A verdict that Pearson met In' death by being drowned at sea "a returned by the Coronei.

A STATEMENT DENIED. TH VAIES. -Amil 1. The statement made by Air Dean, the All Black manager, to the Feilding Chamber of Commerce that New Zealand butter* is n“t obtainable in England. but is used chiefly for blending, is given an unqualified denial by Doctor Ritchie, xunerintendenf of tilt* Thames Hospital, who lias just returned front over a vear's stay in England and Scotland. He states, he mirchnsed Now Zealand butter of all brands in the Atavpde shop in every town he stayed af, with no difficulty at all. Dr Ritchie frequently saw the original boxes with various brands at these shops.