THE WAIKANAE DROWNING ACCIDENT.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 18, 21 July 1897, Page 6

THE WAIKANAE DROWNING ACCIDENT.

Further particulars of the fatal drowning 1 accident which occurred at the mouth of the Waikanae River has been furnished in the report of Constable Hutton.who want to the scene of the accident on Monday afternoon. It appears that the victim, Arthur Liddle, went in a boat with a fisherman lianied Chas. Baker, in order to make up a fishing crew in the place of a Maori who M - as unwell. They were fishing at Kapiti Island- when a storm broke on Wednesday last, and they had to remain at Kapiti till Monday. They left for the mainland' at noon, and were accompanied by Geo. Deck, a resident of the island. As the boat entered the breakers near the shore Baker was in the act of raising tho sail to give additional speed^vhen the craft capsized. A box containing clothing floated, and Deck and Liddle caught hold of it. As it would not support them both, Deok, in. a praiseworthy manner, left tho box, and swam seaward towards the capsized boat. When he reached the boat he saw that Liddle and the box had parted, and the lad shortly afterwards' disappeared. He,appeared quite near the shore, and if some one had been near at hand on the heaoh, it is probable that Liddle's life would have been saved. Baker managed to swim ashore, but was benumbed by the cold. He succeeded afterwards, However, in helping Deck to get ashore from tho capsized boat. Both were stiff and helpless through cold. It is said that Liddle -was very subject to cramp when in tho water. The body is supposed to have drifted 6rit to sea.

Messrs. Georgo Thomas & Co. soil at 2 o'clock to-morrow, at Thomas's Hall/ a very choice selection of rattanwaro, including chairs, lounges, settees, and t,ables. They are now' on view.