AN BAST GORE SCHOOL BOY DKOWNED IN THE WAIKAKA.
Mataura Ensign , Putanga 74, 19 Hakihea 1895, Page 2
Mō tēnei niupepa
AN BAST GORE SCHOOL BOY DKOWNED IN THE WAIKAKA.
A sad bathing accident, involving the c'eilh of Whiteley King, aged 12 years, sou of Mr T. T. Kintr, Postmaster of Gore, ccurred in the Waikaka stream, nearly opposite the East Gore Scboo 1 , about twenty minutes past twelve on Tuesday. It appears that a number of school boys, following their usual custom, went over to the stream for a bathe during their dinner hour. Young King was the first to enter the witor, and he went in above tbe ford — whore there tare a number of deep holed ranging to 20foeMn depth— instead of below it, whdre bathing can be indulged with safety. The unfortunate lad was able to swim, and was a member of the local Swimming Club, but no sooner bad he got into the water than be began to call out for assiscnuco. One of his companions — Willie Shaw— immediately went to nis aid, and tha sinking boy clutched him round the neck. Another of the boys — Logio McDowell — 3wam out to them, and saw the iwo struggling together under tbe water. He caught hold of one of them by the foot and culled him out, this proving to be young Shaw. By this time the other lad had sunk out of sight in the bole. One of the boys ran to Mr Gilchrist, who livos about four chains from tha spot, telling him that Whitley King waa drowned. Mr Gilchrist hurried across, summoning to his assistance Mr James Spedon and his brother, who were close at hand, after that telephoning for Dr Copland and the police. Mr J. Spaden searched for tbe body in the hole above the ford, but could not bottom it. On stirring up the water, however, the body floated to the surface, and waa brought out on to tbe bank. Constable Ferguson was on the scene when the body waa beiog got out, and at once procured stimulants in the hope that life was not quite extinct. Dr George Copland wrived about three minutes later, but his skill was of no avail. Messrs J. Latham, J. D. Hunter and othor residents rendered great assistance in getting the body out of the water, and also in attempting to restore animation. The body of the poor little fellow was conveyed to bis parents' residence, where it lay awaiting inquest. The deepest sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs King in their sad bereavoment, more especially as this was their only son.
