Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Martin FILAN, Katoomba, NSW

The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Matthew Filan, who was drowned in the Policeman's Channel, Thomson River, on Christmas Eve, was continued before Mr. S. Wilson P.M.. on Friday. Senior Seraeant Sterne conducted the proceedings. William James, residing at the Thomson River, stated that he came into Longreach on the day mentioned along the railway line. He met two men carrying swags on the Police man's crossing. They asked how high the water was at the railway bridge, and he told then it was too high to walk across. Later on witness returned to the river along the line. When he came to Policeman's crossing he saw the two men start to walk across the bridge. One of them turned back, but the other man went on. He had gone in to his waist when he was swept off the line. He went, under the water. After about 20 yards he appeared again, threw up his hands and disappeared.  Constable McErlean gave evidence that he went out to search for the body. On the 26th December Mr. Rentoul reported that he had found the body floating down the channel.  Witness went out and brought the body to the morgue. He searched the clothing but found no property.
Dr. Fraser, acting G.M.O. made a superficial examination of the body  and handed witness a certificate. Wittness made inquiries and from information received from the police at  Ilfracombe he found that the man's name was Mat Finlan, also that he had a brother, a first-class constable stationed at Brong Brong, N.S.W. Witness also had the opinion that the- deceased was a returned soldier. The inquiry was then adjourned to Ilfracombe.