AN AGENT-GENERAL'S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 295, 8 December 1908, Page 2

AN AGENT-GENERAL'S DEATH

FALLS OVERBOARD AND IS DROWNED. A SAD AFFAIR. R'cceived 7, II.S p.m. London, December 7. ' Mr. Alfred Dobson, Agent-General for Tasmania, who had been travelling alone on a flying visit to Paris, was returning on Saturday via Boulogne, apparently i[iiite cheerful and in normal health,' aboard the mail steamer Vic lorhin. lie was seen at Sin the evening within two miles of Folkestone sitting) on the stent rail of the vessel. The mate approached and warned him of the danger he was running. He had scarcely spoken when Dobson lost his balance, threw up his hands, and fell backwards from a height or 24 feet into the §ea, which was calm. The vessel was travelling at the rate of 23 knots at the time and stopped as quickly as possible. I Liiebelts wove thrown overboard. AI

boat 'was lowered and searched for upwards ol twenty minutes without avail. It is assumed that Dobson was overcome by (tailless. He had complained during tiie previous two or three days of dizziness, and it is feared that as he was seated immediately over the screw he fell against the blades. His name was ascertained from his portmanteau. The authorities at Kensington were informed and broke the news to the widow, who hastened to Folkestone without obtaining further information. Dobson's cousin, interviewed, stated

I that there could be no suggestion that the fall was other than accidental. His domestic life and public career were all that Dobson could wish, and added that since Dobson's marriage a few months ago nothing could have been happier . than his home life, and there was noi thing to make him depressed.