Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Newson, of Leichardt.

RETURNED SOLDIER ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED.
The Gwydir River was responsible for another tragic drowning accident on Good Friday, when a young returned soldier who was on a visit to Bingara met his death. The deceased — Arthur Newson— who belonged to Sydney, only recently returned after  about three years at the front, and came to spend, a holiday with his soldier companion, Billy Denton. Accompanied by a couple of other lads and some young ladies they went up the river to Borah Creek picnicing and duck shooting, The deceased shot a couple of ducks, which fell into the water, and he stripped off and went in to rescue them. On getting into deep water the weeds were very thick— so thick in fact, that it is almost impossible for a strong swimmer to get through them safely. Newson's  companions soon noticed that be was in difficulties, and Denton mounted a horse went to his assistance, but before he could get hold of him the deceased went under and did not re-appear. The other lads did their best to get him out, but were unable to  locate the body. Word was at once sent to town, and several car loads of men, including Constables Bell and McMahon, at once proceeded to the scene. About a dozen, dived about through the treacherous weeds for over an hour before the body was located by Ralph Bilsborough, lying among, the weeds about ten feet below the surface of the water. After some difficulty had been experienced in releasing it, it was brought to the surface by Reg Wearne, and with the assistance of others, removed from the water. Dr. McInerney, who was present, made an examination, and pronounced life extinct. The body of the poor lad was conveyed to town by car, and on Saturday morning it was despatched to Barraba, en route to Sydney, where it was to be interred on Sunday.  Newson was a fine gentlemanly young chap, and during his short sojourn in Bingara he had made many friends and as his holiday was just at an end it was chiefly on his account that Friday's outing had been arranged. His untimely death is 
deeply regretted by the whole Bingara community.
Owing to the chief witness to the tragic occurrence (Billy Denton) expressing a desire to accompany the body part of the way to Sydney to hand it over to his father, the Coroner postponed the holding of the inquest