MR. R. P. CLARKSON, NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 14, 8 April 1909, Page 537

MR. R. P. CLARKSON, NAPIER.

Mr. Richard P. Clarkson, director of the Napier Technical School, was drowned on the town beach on Saturday .afternoon. Mr. Clarkson, who was a regular bather, was swimming a short distance from the shore when ho sank. It is said that he called for help, and it is supposed that he either became exhausted or was seized with cramp. There was scarcely .any break on the beach at the time. Roberb Lynam, the attendant, was not wearing bathing clothes at tile time, but he was soon in the water, and he continued diving for the body for about an hour without success. The deceased, who was a widower, his wife having predeceased him by about a couple of years, leaves a young family of five. He was a native of Canterbury, and a convert to the Catholic Church. He was at one time engaged in school teaching in Canterbury} and later on in the North Island. He was appointed to the Napier Technical School about a year ago. The late Mr. Clarkson was an enthusiastic worker in the cause of technical instruction, and had done valuable organising work during the twelve months he had been in Napier. lie was president of the Napier Catholic Young Hen's Club. — R.I.P.