MYSTERIOUS CASE OF DROWNING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1457, 3 November 1881, Page 2

MYSTERIOUS CASE OF DROWNING.

A mysterious case of death by drowning occurred at Raglan the afternoon oi Saturday. A native woman, whose name has not transpired, but who is said to have come recently to this part of the country from Wellington, and who resided with the tribe or hapu at the mouth of the harbor, suddenly disappeared on the afternoon of the day named. Search being made her clothes were found lying on the brink of the water, immediately inside the bar. The foot-prints showed deceased had entered the water and, as there were no corresponding marks to indicate that she had ever merged therefrom, the fact became only too apparent she had met with a watery grave. Further search was made, which was kept up throughout the following day (Sunday), without any further results being obtained. During the forenoon of Monday, however, the body was discovered amongst the rocks on the opposite side of the harbor, in the immediate vicinity of Te Akau home station. It was found to be somewhat bruised, the eyes having disappeared altogether. There is no reason, however, to suspect foul play ; as the bruises and mutilations are readily accounted for by the body being attacked by fishes, and driven into contact with the rocks. It was at once taken possession of by the Maoris, and, despite remonstrations on the part of European residents, was hurriedly buried in the Native burial ground, amongst the sand-hills. As stated above, there is not the slightest reason to suspect foul play. Deceased, who was an elderly woman, is known to have suffered from heart disease, and the probabilities are that, on entering the water, she was overtaken by a fit, and in that way perished. The local police have had the matter in hand, by whom an account of the circumstances was reported to the district coroner, and it will rest with the latter to say whether or not. it is considered necessary the body should be exhumed, and a formal inquest held.

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