A LUCKY ESCAPE

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 23, 26 January 1918, Page 6

A LUCKY ESCAPE

Three well-known Wanganui residents visited the Upper Waitotara on Sunday last with the object of looking at some grazing lands, and while crossing the river in a canoe which was in a leaky condition they had a most exciting experience. The river was in flood, and when the party was in ■ midstream the canoe filled and overturned, the occupants (who were fully clothed) being thrown into tho fast-running water. Onu of the party sank to the bottom, but came up again, though in an almost helpless condition owing to having very heavy boots and clothes on. Fortunately another member of the party, who had grabbed hold of the canoe, saw his friend's predicament, and called to him to make for the canoe, which had lighted itself. He did so, but when he grabbed hold of the side of the craft it turned over and struck the other man a blow on the forehead, nearly stunning him. They both managed to regain hold of the upturned canoe, and were joined by the third member of the party, who had also had a hard battle for life, all three eventually reaching .shore safely, though one was minus his set of false teeth, which had beea broken when the canoe turned over. •