CORONER’S INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1926, Page 1

CORONER’S INQUEST

An inquest was held at tho residence of Mr AY. F. Diedrich, Kokatahi, this forenoon, touching the death of the young man,* Smith, whose body was recovered in, the Hokitika river yesterday. Air I). J. Evans, District Coroner, presided, and Sergeant King conducted the case for the Police. Francis Smith, father of the deceased, identified the body as that of his son, who was 20 years of age in March last. He whs single, and bor.ti at Kaikoura. He came to the Kokatahi district in November last. He enjoyed good ■ health always, and was not subject to fits. On hearing of the loss of his son witness came to the district on the 18l.li inst., and took part in H.c constant search for the body which was found yesterday by witness. 11l reply to a further question by the Coroner, the witness said lie had no further statement to make other than that he was grateful to all who find helped in the search. AVI ilia m F. Diedrich. farmer, said Smith was an employee since November last. On 16th May they were mustering and brought a mob of cattle to tho Kokatahi river, south fide, where he left Smitn in charge* of the cattle on the river hod, and returned to collect three more head. He told Smith to mind the stock, and Smith replied “right-o.” On coming tack about half ail hour later, there was no sign of Smith or the grey horse lie rode. The cattle hail worked up the river a little distance. There being no response to calls, a search was made. As it was getting dark, witness crossed to the north side and found the horse near Heslnn’s freehold. It was very wot, also tlie saddle, and it was apparent the horse had been under water. Realising there had been an accident galloped away for help, and gave the alarm. Search was made till 9 o’clock without avail and continued daily till the body was found. . The day following the loss, picked up the horse tracks on the south side. The horse had entered the river where there was quick sands and outside decji water. The ford was alwut half a mile away. Smith was familiar with the river and the right places to ford. There were good fords above and below. Smith had crossed the river several times previously. Smith was a good swimmer. Tlie horse must have got into difficulties in the quick sands and Smith dismounted, and was perhaps struck by-, tlie horse in its struggles. To Mr Smith: The hoy was not covered by accident insurance. The work was not considered dangerous and it wps not tlie practice to insure stockmen. Bush workers were insured when employed. Andrew J. Nolan, farmer, Koiterangi, stated he was in his paddock about 4.30 on May 16. He saw a white horse, saddled, on the Kokatahi side of the river. The horse was feeding and lie thought the circumstances peculiar. He went to the river hank in case there had been- an accident. Did act see a mob of cattle, hut saw one beast. "Witness also saw what lie thought were two men on a white hoi re fording the river in a shallow part, but they did not cross right over, they returned to tho south side. Was about seven or eight chains away, hut did not recognise the men, nor the horse. AA’itness was tinder tlie impression tlie men were a neighbouring settler and an employee and that the saddled horse belonged to him. He knew now lie was evidently mistaken. Heard of the accident that night and assisted in the search.

George E. Fearn. sawmill hand, Kokatahi, said that on the 16th Alay he saw a draught of cattle going down the main river lied, and the drover was riding a grey horse. That was about 4.15 o’clock, when witness was some 300 yards away. About half an hour latei saw the cattle and the horse again, hut could not say if the horse -had a rider, as it was a gloomy day and getting dark.

Tho Coroner returned a verdict of accidental death by drowning. In doing so lie expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents and stated it 'was typical of the people to see the way they had rallied and helped in tho prolonged search.