SAD DROWNING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1519, 7 March 1916, Page 3

SAD DROWNING FATALITY.

AT MOUTOA. A distressing drowning accident occurred at Moutoa on Sunday afternoon whereby Ambrose Michael Bowe, aged 21 years, son of Mr and Mrs T. Bowe, old and respected residents of the district, lost his life. It appears that deceased, with two younger brothers, went bathing in the Manawatu river. His two brothers were on a raft dan deceased started to wade across the river and went in over his depth, apparently slipping and falling hitting his head against a snag. He never came to the surface again. Assistance was obtained and the body recovered about two hours afterwards. When recovered a large bruise was found near the temple and it is believed that when deceased fell he was stunned through his head striking a snag. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family, the deceased being one of the most popular young men in the Moutoa district. The funeral took place this afternoon. THE INQUEST. An inquest was held before Mr Alt. Fraser, District Coroner, yesterday afternoon, when the following evidence was taken : Francis 'Joseph Bowe, brother of deceased, stated that at about 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon deceased, his brother Delphin and witness went to the river for a swim. Witness and Delphin got a raft to float on and deceased started to wade across the river. He saw him go in over his depth. Delphin fell off the raft and witness assisted him back and then turned to assist deceased but before he could reach him he had disappeared, He never came to the surface again. Assistance was obtained and dragging commenced to recover the body. They could all swim a little but were not good swimmers. Tnomas Bowe, father of deceased, said that at about 3.30 o’clock he was told by his son Frank that Ambrose was drowned. He went down to the river and stayed there until the body was recovered. It was recovered by Terry Royal about six o’clock. The boys were in the habit of bathing almost daily.

Constable Woods stated thht he was informed of the fatality about six o’clock and arrived at the scene about half an hour later. The body had just been recovered. He examined it and found a bruise over the right temple. The Coroner returned a verdict of accidentally drowned.