A FATALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1929, Page 6

A FATALITY

STANLEY PATERSON DIIOWN ICO. A sad fatality happened on Saturday afternoon in the Arahura Valiev in the vicinity of Humphreys whereby Stanley ‘Paterson, aged 19 years, third son of Mr and Mrs John Paterson, of Davie Street, was drowned. Deceased was a popular young fellow, in the employ of Mr G. H. Gifford, of Revel 1 Street. The deepest sympathy of the community will be extended to the bereaved parents, members of the family and relatives in their sad loss. CORONER’S IN QUEST. An inquest was held at the Police Station at 10 o’clock this morning touching the death of Stanley Norman Paterson, aged 19, who was drowned in the Arahura, River on Saturday evening. Mr D. J. Evans, District Coroner, presided. .Sergt. King conducted the case on behali of the police. Evidence was given 'by Erie Edward Raine, William- John Kulscn, and Constable Drummond. The evidence as led showed that Raine, Killsen and deceased left on a shooting expedition for Wilson’s hut, Arahura river. On the way out Raine was advised by Mr Harvey who lesides near the river, to take the lower ford. When at the river, Paterson and Knlsen who had crossed previously decided on the upper ford, Paterson having crossed a week earlier. A horse was used for the crossing. Raine was in the saddle and had a rifle slung on his back. Paterson was on the horse behind with a pack. The horse was reported to be safe and steady. The river was clear though slightly up. For the first chain and a half of the ford the water was up to the saddle girth. When only some twelve feet from the other side the horse dropped into a hole and had to swim. Tile horse turned up stream into the current, and the two riders wore thrown on the side. They recovered their t>eats, but were thrown over a second time, the horse continuing to plunge, and the girth broke. Both were thrown into the river. Paterson was held briefly by Raine, who in turn was caught by Paterson, and they both went under twice. In one of the submersions, Raine, who is a good swimmer, got rid of the gun. When they came to the surface again the horse got away, and Paterson drifted away from Raine, who made another attempt to recover Paterson, but had to give up, and made to shallow water where he collapsed. Meantime Knlsen had waded out to his waist in the river, but the current was too swift to attempt to swim in his Clothing, and lie went to iho assistance of Raine. As soon, as Uaine recovered consciousness they followed down stream. Paterson had been seen floating face upwards, but in their search they could not locate him. They then, decided to return to Lake Kanieri and report the accident. Yesterday morning early, a search party went out. Constable Drummond divided the searchers to work up and down the river on both sides. One party proceeded to look for horses to cross the river, and in doing so located the body in mid-stream on a shingle hank. Horses were secured, and the body was recovered and brought to town. An examination of the body revealed extensive bruises on the forehead. There was no evidence of a fracture, hut the bruises were extensive. When recovered the body was fully clothed and the pack was intact, tied to the hack. The opinion was expressed the bruises were caused in life, probably during the struggle in the .deep water when the horse was circling the lads. Where found it would appear the hody had been deposited by the river when in light fresh. The Coroner returned a verdict ol accidental death by drowning. In doing so lie referred to the good qualities of the young lad whose liie had been lost, and expressed sympathy with the parents and relatives in their very sad bereavement. The opinion was expressed also'that in similar expeditions the greatest care should he exorcised by the inexperienced in attempting unknown ford crossings. Sergt. King, on behalf of the Police, expressed appreciation of the ready help given on this and other similar occasions when a sudden search was called for. There was always an immediate response, and the police were grateful for the experienced help given. The Coroner also in appreciating the help given said it was a trait of Iho West Coast character since the pioneer days for the best to he done in the way of relief when necessity called for prompt help.