Walter Stott, (1866-30/1/1897). "went out to sea"

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, January 30. 

Mr Walter Stott, Town Clerk at Green Island, was accidentally drowned this afternoon while bathing at the mouth of the Taieri, whither he had gone as one of a picnic party.  -Press, 1/2/1897.

A man named Walter Stott was drowned at Taieri Mouth on Saturday afternoon. He had gone there with a picnic party composed of employees of the Burnside Ironworks, and while bathing he got into deep water and was lost. Constable King proceeded to the spot on Saturday night, and endeavored to recover the body, but all attempts were unsuccessful. It is thought that the unfortunate man's body was carried out to sea by the current of the river.   -Bruce Herald, 2/2/1897.

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

THE TAIERI MOUTH FATALITY.

Mr Knarston, a storekeeper at Taieri Mouth, while walking along the Taieri Mouth Beach yesterday about two miles from where the late Mr Walter Stott was drowned, picked up a hand and fore-arm. A gold ring, engraved "CS. to W. S., 1887," dropped off one of the fingers. The ring and hand were identified by Mr Kirkwood, a nephew of the deceased, who was at the Taieri Month at the time, and the hand was at once put in a box and buried. Constable King, the local police officer, is of opinion that the body went out to sea, and was devoured by fish, probably sharks, as the bone of the fore-arm was quite devoid of flesh.  -Otago Daily Times,  15/2/1897.

Walter and Christina were married in 1888, so the ring would seem to be an engagement present.

A very sad accident occurred at a picnic, held at Taieri Mouth a week ago, of the Burnside Ironworks employes, when Mr Walter Stott, town, clerk of preen Island, went into the bay for a bath and swim and was drowned. It was a great shock to his young wife who was present at the time, and cast quite a gloom over the happy gathering.  -Wairarapa Daily Times, 19/2/1897.

 MRS WALTER STOTT desires to convey her HEARTFELT THANKS to her many Friends for the Kindly Messages Sympathising with her in her recent Bereavement occasioned by the untimely death of her dear Husband.  -Otago Daily Times, 1/3/1897.

Mrs Walter Stott, who returned to New Zealand in the Gothic, after an absence of 12 months, was given "A Welcome Home" in the Volunteer Hall, Green Island, on Friday evening, 20th inst., by a large number of friends. Daring the evening Mrs Stott was presented with a handsome gold bangle by the Mayor of the borough (Mr James Miller) on behalf of her wellwishers. Mr Will responded on behalf of the recipient. Dancing was indulged in during the evening, which passed off in an enjoyable manner.  -Otago Witness, 2/6/1898.

IN MEMORIAM.

STOTT. — In loving memory of Walter Stott, who was drowned whilst bathing at Taieri Mouth, January 30, 1897.

— Inserted by his wife, Tina Stott.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/1/1903.

Green Island Cemetery.