DEATH OF MR BUTLER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5164, 12 August 1927, Page 2

DEATH OF MR BUTLER.

LNQLEST AT THAMES.

i SEVERE MENTAL DEPRESSION.

An inquest was held at Thames on Wednesday afternoon concerning the death of Mr Frederick Walsh Butler, who was lost from the- s-s. Taniwha on Sunday night during the passage from Auckland to Paeroa. Evidence of identification of the body was given by Constable J. M c_ Clinchy, of Paeroa.

A passenger on the steamer, Mr B. Gwiiliam, Paeroa, stated that he had conversed with deceased during the voyage. Deceased was perfectly sober, but seemed to be labouring under great mental anguish. A verdict was returned that deceased had been drowned by jumping off tihe steamer Taniwha while undergoing severe mental depression.

Dece-ased was interred at the Pukerimu Cemetery, paeroa, yesterday afternoon. The-funeral,' which left from the Masonic’Hflll, was attended by Mr O. G. Thornton, resident engineer, Public Works Department, and staff, Paeroa, the Mayor of Waihi (Mr W. M. Wallnutt), and friends from Waihi and Paeroa, in addition to a number of the members of the Lodge Ohinemuri, 107, four of whom acted as pall-bearers. The last solemn rites were performed by the Rev. W. H. G. Weadon, Paeroa, and the Masonic service was also read.