AN INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1930, Page 4

AN INQUEST

CHRISTCHURCH,' Jan. 24. An inquest into the. circumstances surrounding the boy’s death was held before Mr E. D. Afosley, The verdict was that-Alan George Moss was drowned in the Selwyn River there being no evidence to show how he got into the river.' f Erie Rofe Moss, eommissioiv'agent ah, Greymouth, identified the body as that of his son. He had last seen him alive* between 1.30 p.m. and 1.45. p.m. on January 22. He was then going out to play with some other children. About 3 p.m. witness met a little boy, whom deceased had been playing yith in the morning. The boy said»he had not seen Alan since lie went ; in to dinner. About 4 p.m. witness began, to get anxious, and made a search for his son, but could-not find him. Witness mentioned the matter to some other but , owners, and search parties were organised and the country was. scoured until well after midnight. Some of them dragged the river in the' vicinity of witness’s boat landing. Drag ing was recommenced the next; morning and at 10.10 a.m. the body' waa . recovered.

Detective-Sergeant Young said the body was found in twelve ifeet of water- fc . in the river immediately in front of the* hut. The boy had been dead for some* time. The body was fully dressed. No» X evidence could be found as to how deceased came to be in. the river.