29561 Private William John Robb, (10/3/1892-22/2/1920). "a happy and cheery disposition"

FOUND IN THE CLUTHA

SOLDIER'S DEATH. 

Our Clyde correspondent wires that the body of a young man named William Robb was found yesterday among the rocks in the Clutha River near Lowburn. The young man, who was a returned soldier, had been working at Tarras, and had been missing for a week. There is nothing to show how he got into the river.  -Evening Star, 1/3/1920.

The young man William Robb, whose body was found in the Clutha river a week ago, was employed in the Tarras district before and after serving in the great war. Of a happy and cheery disposition, he made many friends, and was popular wherever he was known. The funeral took place in the New Cemetery on Tuesday, in the presence of many friends from the district wherein he resided, the funeral service being conducted by Mr A. L. Witheford.  -Cromwell Argus, 8/3/1920.

Drowning Fatality.

THE INQUEST. 

An inquest concerning the death of the young man William Robb, whose body was found in the Clutha river, near Devils Creek, on Sunday, 29th ult., was held at Cromwell on Tuesday last before Mr A. M Brodrick, acting coroner, and a jury of four. The text of the evidence was that deceased had been working for John Colling, a farmer at Tarras, since September last, with the exception of a week at Waides. Colling last saw deceased at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 22nd February, when he left with another man on a motor cycle, going in the direction of Queensberry chair. When deceased did not arrive back after several days Colling made inquiries in various quarters and then informed the police. As far as witness knew deceased was a married man, his wife being in Scotland. He had been at the war, but witness could not say how long he was back. Referring to the Queensberry chair, witness said it was in a disgraceful state, and not fit for any man to cross. — James McCurrach said he met deceased at 2 p.m. on February 22nd, and after a short conversation deceased asked him (witness) for a ride on the motor cycle to Queensberry chair. Witness left him within half-a-mile of the chair, but deceased did not say where he was going. He said he had someone to meet. Witness last saw deceased at 3.45 p.m. making towards the chair. Adam McDonald and Constables Maiden and Bradley also gave evidence of a formal nature. Constable Bradley said he made inquiries and found deceased never arrived at Queensberry.

After a, short, retirement the following verdict was returned: — That the deceased, William Robb, was found drowned in the Clutha river on Sunday, 24th February, but there was no evidence to show how he got into the river. A rider was added drawing the Vincent County attention to the unsafe state of the Queensberry chair.  -Cromwell Argus, 8/3/1920.

Cromwell Cemetery.