An inquest was held at the Cave Rock Hotel, Sumner, yesterday morning, before R. Beetham, Esq., and Jury, of whom Mr J. W. Wearn was chosen foreman, on the body of Horace Birch, aged sixteen years, who was drowned in the Estuary yesterday afternoon.
William James Birch, brother of deceased, stated that he, with the deceased and four other young men, were camping on the spit opposite the Shag Rock, and had been to Sumner in a boat. Fred Newton and the deceased went in for a bathe. About five o’clock witness heard cries for help. Saw his brother struggling in the water, and attempted to reach him with a boat, but only arrived in time to see him sink. Richard McCleary jumped into the water, but was unable to render any assistance.
James McCleary deposed that deceased waded out and slipped into the channel, and was taken off his legs by the current. Thinking he was drowning, witness tried to reach him, but was too late.
After hearing further evidence corroborative of the above, and as to the finding of the body, the Jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned.” -Lyttelton Times, 5/4/1893.
ACCIDENTS & FATALITIES.
[By Telegraph.) [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]
CHRISTCHURCH, 4th April.
An inquest was hold on the body of Horace Birch, aged 16, who was drowned at the Sumner Estuary yesterday, when a verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned. The jury suggested that parents should exercise their authority, and prevent boys who are unable to swim from going out sailing or camping alongside the estuary. -Evening Post, 5/4/1893.
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