A Southland farmer has died after he fell into an effluent settling pond, apparently while trying to save a lamb.
The police in Southland say the body of Sidney Harris, 84, was found by his son about 12.50pm on Friday and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A police spokesperson says it appears Mr Harris climbed into the pond trying to retrieve a lamb that had become trapped, and he was unable to get back out.
Mr Harris' death has been referred to the Coroner.
The oxidation pond is on council land in Erskine Street and police say the man had an agreement that he could graze stock there.
The farmer's dog escaped from the effluent pond, but the lamb died.
