THE SAO DROWNING FATALITY AT MOTUROA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 40, 25 February 1901, Page 2

THE SAO DROWNING FATALITY AT MOTUROA.

RECOVERY OF THE BODY. On Saturday morning tho body of tho ln'e J. S. Hurt, who was drowned wltil,fishing on the Fiat Rock on Sunday, the 17th inst., was found about 100 yards from ihe spot where ho was last saon. It was brought to tDwn ar:d placed in the morgue to await inquest. As was to ba expwtsd the features were hardly recognisable, but there was plenty of moms of identifying the remains.

INQUEST. An inquest was held at the Hospital by Mr. ft. L. Stanford, S.M., the coroner, on Sunday morning, fit 10.30. W. S. KarS, brother of deceased, identified tho body. F, Newel), stoioman, .\a,''d lio was on the cattle wharf on Sunday, tho 17th. Hart then told him he was gping iofi.ch on the rock, and witness ropliod that it was too rough. Considered tho rock wan not eaffc with a rough sea on v.s wav.'iS wailiod over it.

To the Coroner : A large number of pesplo w«nt to tho reck t® li»h. Sehul'-z was washed off the suae rock.

John McKay and his son William both said they saw deceased Gshing oti the rock when a wave came over it and washed him off. They eaoh saw the hair of deceased's head come to tho surface about three yards from Ih9 rock, but it disappeared directly. They threw out their fishing lines but without avail. The Coroner said it was quite cleir what the verdict should be. The jury returned a vordict of " accidentally drowned," adding a rider that they were of opinion a notice should ba put up near the spot, warning tho public of the danger of fishing from tho rock at certain states of the tide.

THE FUNERAL. A a member of the Tararuki liiflos a military funeral was accotdfd the deceased, both the Riflus and Guards attending. Tho City Baud headed lh* corteye, playing the Dead March. A. larj;e coniingeiit of members of Friendly Societies, hs we'l of the gonwrti puvli:'. followed the rtmains. At the close of the service thre'j volleys were fired by a party of the Riilos. Much sympathy is felt for tho bereaved widow.