DROWNING ACCIDENT.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 January 1913, Page 3

DROWNING ACCIDENT.

On Wednesday last. Bth ins<\, Constable Driscoll received word by telephone from Muriwai to the effect that a young man, named Charles Smith, had been accidently drowned whilst swimming at a place called the rocks, at Muriwai, and that his body had not been recovered. Constable Driscoll immediately left for the scene, and the following morning was shown where the accident took place, by Mr E. P. Mitchelson, who was present at the time. Mr Mitchelson stated that Smith had been camped on the beach for some months by himself in a tent, and had passed the time fishing and swimming; at times he had appeared to be a bit queer in the head. At the time of the accident Mr Mitchelson Mr Jas. Wilson (his uncle), and Mr John Brigham, were fishing from the rocks and they saw the deceased attempt to swim from the beach to the outside rocks, a distance of about 20 yards; when about halfway, he got into trouble with the current which was running round the rocks and suddenly disappeared, never rising again. They dragged for the body by means of fishing lines for about two hours but failed to recover the body, and they were of the opinion that it went out to sea. Constable Driscoll, on arrival, searched th 9 rocks and beach, but failed to find the body. He took possession of Smith's tent, but found nothing in the shape of letters or money, but found a Post Office 3av~ ings Bank Book No. 215868, deposit tor, Charles Smith, Te Kuiti, having a balance of £20. Although Smith had been camped on the beach some time, no one seemed to know whether he had any friends or relations. On the 12th inst. Constable Driscoll with others, made a further search of the beach "but could find no trace of the body. A photo of deceased, taken m front of his tent on the beach, is in the hands of the police.