Blessing held

Queenstown: A blessing was held yesterday for the Czech orchard labourer who was found dead at Wilson Bay, near Queenstown, last week.

Police confirmed the 28yearold found last Monday was Zdenek Smerda, who had been working in Cromwell.

Two family members, police and friends from the orchard attended the blessing at 11am in memory of Mr Smerda, who had lived in New Zealand for 14 months.

The death has been referred to the coroner, but was not believed to be suspicious.