FOUND IN RIVER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 November 1938, Page 4

FOUND IN RIVER

BODY OF MISSING RESIDENT. LOCATED NEAR AKURA BRIDGE. The body of Mr Patrick Joseph Curley was recovered from the Waipoua River by a police party on Saturday afternoon. It was in the middle of the river, near the Waipoua River Bridge, Akura, wedged under the roots of a pine tree in seven feet of water. The body was fully clothed, and as far as can be ascertained there were no marks of violence on it. An inquest was opened before the district coroner, Mr E. G. Eton, and after evidence of identification had been taken was adjourned sine die.

Mr Curley, a labourer, who lived alone in a whare on the property of Mr Hector Allan, Upper Plain, had been missing since November 5, but the police were not notified until last Tuesday night. His bicycle and cap were found near the river, which the police began dragging on Wednesday morning. They were assisted in their search by settlers and Boy Scouts. The funeral of the late Mr Curley took place at the Masterton Cemetery yesterday afternoon, the burial ceremony being performed by the Rev Father N. Moore. The pall-bearers were Messrs T. Kerins, B. Gill, F. Siemonek, D. Deegan, F. Taplin and Thomas Kerins.