Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Ernest George PIESSE

YOUNG MAN DROWNED.
FATHER OVERCOME.
HOBART, Monday.— Francis, Charles Piesse, 26, a clerk, in the National Mutual Insurance Co., went for a swim at Brown's lliver this morning, accompanied by his father. He had not been out more than a few minutes, and was about 200 yards from the shore, when he disappeared without any warning. His father was so overcome by shock that he was unabla to render any assistance. The body has not yet been recovered.

THE DROWNING FATALITY
BODY RECOVERED AT BROWNE
RIVER.
The body of Francis Charles Piesse (26). who was drowned at Brown's River on Monday, was recovered early yesterday morning by the police, who continued dragging operations during the whole of Monday night. An inquest was formally opened at Kingston yesterday, and adjourned to Hobart this morning.

KINGSTON DROWNING
ACCIDENT.
EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST.
The inquest on the body of Mr Francis Charles Piesse aged 27, who was drowned while bathing at Kingston on Monday, was held In the District Coroner (Mr J. R. Green) at the Australasian Hotel, Kingston Beach yesterday. Dr W. W. Giblin stated that yesterday morning he had viewed the body it Kingston Beach. From external appearances it showed signs, of having been in the water for some hours. There were no signs of violence on the body. A post-mortem examination was not performed and in his opinion death was due to drowning. Ernest George Piesse said that the deceased was his son aged 27 years. On Monday morning at about 20 minutes to 7 he and the deceased left home and walked along the beach. His son stripped off and invited witness to join him in a swim. Witness declined saving he would rather go fishing and suggested that deceased should join him after a swim. Witness commenced to fish, and he thought he heard a call and looking along the bench saw his son's head disappear beneath the water, about 120 yards from the shore. There was a big swell on at the time. Witness ran along the beach and interviewed a young man who secured the services of two other men and rowed a boat to the spot, but could see nothing of the deceased. Deceased had served with distinction in the war and after returning to Tasmania had had a nervous breakdown. On Monday he appeared to be in excellent health, and was a strong swimmer Trooper Henry Gillham stationed at Kingston, said that on Monday mornnig at about 7 o'clock he received a telephone message to the effect that a man had been drowned at the beach. He arrived on the scene with Constable Campbell a few minutes later, and with the help of others secured a boat and dragged the foreshore with seine nets for the body. They continued this for about five hours without success. The sea was very rough and dirty, and they were compelled by the
coldness of the water to give up the search for the time being. Later in the day the police motor-boat arrived with Constable Challenger and dragging opentions recommenced and were carried on till it was too dark to see. Another effort was made at 6:30 o'clock this morning and the body was located in about 12 feet of water a short distance from where the deceased was seen to disappear. It was taken to the Australasian Hotel. Witness added that while searching for the body the undertow on the beach was noticed to be exceptionally strong quite enough to carry anyone away if not on their guard The Coroner returned a verdict of accidental death by drowning. He commended Trooper Gillham and the other members of the police force for their untiring efforts to recover the body.