"An inquest into the death of Captain Neil Melville Louisson, whose body was found below the Huka Falls, Taupo, on 27th November, was concluded before Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M. A verdict was returned that deceased died on or about 6th November and that the cause of death was drowning. Sergeant W. S. Brown, of the Auckland police, gave evidence concerning the last known movements cf deceased. Captain Louisson, who was on furlough from the Middle East, left home at about 8 a.m. on 5th November and went to his office in the city, he stated. There he told his sister, Mrs Joan Bull, that he was “going for a jaunt somewhere.” He was in possession of a Ford coupe.
Two Army sergeants who were on leave visited the Huka Falls that day, witness continued, and about 5 p.m. saw an artillery captain resembling the description given of deceased, sitting on a ledge overlooking the falls. They approached him and suggested that he should move further back. He got to his feet, saying: “I’m all right; I like it here.” He told them he had fished the locality before going overseas. They persuaded him to move further back, and after asking them where they were going he drove them to Taupo. When he left them they believed he was returning to Rotorua.
Deceased’s car was noticed near the footbridge over the river on 6th November, containing a suitcase and a rug or coat. Three days later these objects were missing. They had not since been traced. At 10 a.m. on November 27th a Rotorua artisf, Mr H. R. Cole, saw deceased’s body lying on a small beach on the left bank of the river, and notified the police. In deceased’s pockets were £6 10s in notes and sundry personal papers. Mr Luxford: I take it the police have made the fullest investigations and have found no further information that would assist the Court?
Witness: Nothing has been discovered indicating suicide, or suggesting that deceased intended to commit suicide.
A verdict that death was due to drowning was accordingly returned."
[Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 16 December 1943, Page 2]
