FOUND DROWNED.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1918, Page 8

FOUND DROWNED.

AN ELTHAM SETTLER'S FATE. Considerable sensation was created at an early hour yesterday morning, when a report gained circulation that a wellknown Elthara resident, Mr. J. 13. Sim, had been found drowned. On enquiry being made it was found that the report, unfortunately, was only too true. We understand that an inquest will be held, and then full particulars will be ascertained; in the meantime we have gathered the following particulars: About 8.15 this mprning, Mr. Hindi, caretaker of Taumata Park, saw a body lying in shallow water in thp Waingongoro river, whieli skirts the park. Upon examination it proved to be the body of Mr. ,1. B. Sim, a well-known townsman. It was lying face downwards in about nine inches of water, and was partially clad, the deceased having underpants on. The rest of his clothes were found hanging up in a shed close by. Life was extinct when the body was found. It is surmised that as deceased was drowned in such shallow water that he may have had a fit, and that he had gone down to the river with the intention of having a bathe. He went to bed at his usual hour last night, and in apparently good health. He must have left his residence at an early hour this morning, but as he occupied a separate room his absence was not. noticed by his family. • Deceased was well known throughout Titranaki, having been secretary of the local branch of the Farmers' Union, also organising secretary of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, and at one time was prominent in local Masonic circles, having been W.M. of the lodge. He did good service oil the Eltlmm School Committee, of which he was at one time a member, and acted as secretary. He was also well known ill Canterbury, he having been at one time Mayor of Sydenham, a position which he is reported to have filled most creditably. We are sure that the fullest, sympathy will be extended to Mrs. Sim and family in their bereavement.—Argus,