An inquest was held on Wednesday evening in the Vestry Hall,, before Mr. J. T. Parker, coroner, upon the body of Joseph Clarke, a lad 14 years of age, son of Mr. Elihu Clarke, who was drowned about 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, while bathing in the River Nene near Ditchford Station. The jury was composed of the following:- Messrs. W. Wilkins (foreman), John, James, and Thomas Sargent, James and Henry Bull, Edwin Knight, J. Green, H. Wheeler, W. Foscett, C. L. Bradfield, and W. Goodwin. – It appeared from the evidence of Walter Wood and Thomas Campion, companions of the deceased lad, that the deceased accompanied by the witness Walter Wood and two other lads, went to the river near Ditchford Station for the purpose of having a bathe, deceased being the only one among the number who could swim. On reaching the river they were joined by Thomas Campion, who had been bathing a short time previously. The water was unusually high, and there was a strong stream running. The deceased asked Campion “how it was in,” and he replied “Rather cold.” He then stripped, and giving his watch to one of his companions to hold, said, “It’s a quarter to eight; see how long I can dive.” He then pitched in head first and was probably under the water about three minutes. On coming to the surface he appeared stunned and fell back again into the water. The lads on the bank then called for help, and a man named Cook and George Henry Willis came to the spot. Willis, who is an expert swimmer, at once dived in at the spot indicated, and after searching for some time succeeded in recovering the body, which had been carried some 30 yards down stream. Walter Wood at once ran to the station and other places for some brandy, and eventually obtained some at Mr. Hipwell’s mill, but on his return life was extinct. None of the spectators knew how to produce artificial respiration, but did their best by rubbing the body, &c., to restore animation. – George Henry Willis corroborated the evidence of the previous witnesses, and was of the opinion that the deceased was quite dead when taken from the water. After diving several times he found the body about 30 yards lower than the spot indicated, in the middle of the stream. There was a scratch upon the face under the right eye. – Dr. Owen deposed to being called to see the body of deceased shortly before nine o’clock on Wednesday evening. There was a scratch about three inches in length extending from the right eye down the cheek, evidently caused by contact with some substance, and this would be sufficient to cause giddiness. Death was caused by drowning. – The Coroner, on behalf of the jury, complimented Willis upon his courage and skill he had displayed, and remarked that although not successful in saving life in this instance, he had rendered good service, and his conduct was highly praiseworthy. Dr. Owen was of opinion that if the children in the Board and other schools were taught how to produce artificial respiration great good might be affected, and said that if a doctor had been present at the time the deceased would probably have been restored. – A verdict of “Death from drowning” was returned.