Drowning at Wateringbury (1916)

Post date: Apr 08, 2016 1:48:4 PM

Extract from Kent Messenger of 2nd September 1916

POST OFFICE SORTER

DROWNED at WATERINGBURY

The body of Edward Colegate, aged 53, unmarried, oF 46, Florence Road, Maidstone, a

sorter in the Post Office, was found floating in the Medway at Wateringbury on Monday

evening and removed to the Kent Arms public house.

At the inquest held by Mr. Coroner Buss,on Wednesday evening Harry Colegate, a

brother living at Sittingbourne, stated that deceased had had no monetary troubles, as far

as witness knew, but he had recently been greatly depressed.

Other evidence showed that eight good-sized stones were found in deceased’s pockets, besides

a bank book with upwards of £1G0 in deposits, £6 10s. in Treasury notes, and 6s.8d. in coin.

The body was greatly decomposed and Dr.Sander, of Wateringbury stated that the appearances

were consistent with death by drowning.

The jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned," there not being sufficient evidence

to show how deceased got into the water.

The deceased was buried at Maidstone Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, among those present being representatives of the indoor and outdoor staff of the High Street Post Office,who also contributed two handsome wreaths.

Colegate had been employed at the Post Office for some 29 years, and was respected

by the whole of the staff. He was one of the oldest members of the Maidstone Angling

Society, had the winner of m any competitions held under the auspices of that Society, and

also of the Tonbridge Road Liberal Club, of wfhich he was also an old member.