DROWNING ACCIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1928, Page 1

DROWNING ACCIDENT

DEATH OF AIARK BREEZE. AVELLINGTON, Alay 21. A few minutes before eight o’clock on Saturday night, a man was seen to stumble near the edge of the Queen's Wharf, and then to lose his balance completely and fall into the harbour. The alarm was given to the tolls office and members of the harbourmaster’s staff on duty hurried to the scene. Glancing down into the water they saw the body of a man floating face downwards. As it was apparent that the man was unconscious, a lifeboat was launched and towed to the spot but on its arrival tho body could not be seen. Dragging operations were carried out yesterday and tlie Cody was discovered underneath the wharf. The body was removed to the morgue, and had not been identified last night. Deceased was about 30 years of age, approximately oft Sin in height, with a fresh complexion. One of his upper front teeth was gold-filled so as to make it exceedingly prominent. He was well developed and muscular. On tho collar of his shirt was written in marking ink “Breeze A.”

THE INQUEST. AVELLINGTON, Alay 22. An inquest was held before the Coroner, Air AY. G. Riddell, S.AL, coilconcerning the death of Alark Barney Breeze, a returned soldier, aged 31, who fell into the harbour on Saturday night. After hearing the evidence, tho Coroner returned a verdict of death through accidental drowning. Deceased was formerly a resident at 132 Sydney Street, and his parents reside in Hokitika. The funeral took place at AVellington yesterday when the deceased was accorded a military funeral.