COUNTRY NEWS.

Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 791, 17 November 1865, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

Duowxiug at Ixch Cltjtiia—Mr Edward Bowler, a much respected settler residing on the Inch Clutha, or Island Mqlyneux district, was on Monday last, at.about 10-a.m., unfortunately drowned in a lagoon situated upon his own property, From the evidence adduced, the facts were as follows :—The deceased had, with several of his servants, proceeded to the lagoon to wash a few sheep, which job they appear to have accomplished by about the hour abovenamed ; Mr Bowler, the unfortunate, taking upon himself to wash the last sheep ; and having done so, expressed his intention of swimming across the lagoon —supposed about 50 or 60 yards in width. Having taken off his waistcoat and boots, was about to enter, when he was asked by one of his workmen named Jones if he could swim. He replied in the affirmative, stating that he but was not a first-rate hand. He then walked into the lagoon some snort distance, and then began to swim, being anxiously watched by several of his workmen. When about twenty yards from the opposite bank, he was noticed to be gradually sinking, and suddenly disappear. He was seen to raise once to the surface" and heard to shout for assistance. Unfortunately, no heat, rope, or necessary appliances were at hand to enable them to render timely aid ; and unfortunately the four persons witnessing this sad scene were unable to swim. About two hours after the body was recovered in near eleven feet of water ; and at 5 p.m. the same day (Monday), an inquest was held by Dr. J. G. Smith, Esq., coroner, when a verdict of “ accidentally drowned while bathing” was retvrned.—Bruce llerold.

The Dog Nuisance. — A correspondent informs us that on the night of the Ist inst. the ewe and lamb flock of Mr Thompson, Moa Hill, Kaihiku, were attacked by dogs and about 30 destroyed. The poor animals were frightfully mangled, some of the heads being completely smashed. It is really high time that stringent measures ware adopted to suppress the dog nuisance. — 3race Herald.

O auaru. —We have the pleasure this week to announce that a start has been male with the works in connection with the Jetty contract. The making of the road having been sub-let by Mr Calder to Mr Mackenzie, the latter made a commencement on Tuesday afternoon, and all day yesterday the workmen were to be seen creating clouds of dust on the face of the cliffs by shooting the displace 1 earth into the sea We believe a Large number of hands will be employed shortly, and this portion of the contract completed within as short a time as possible. — Oamaru Trmcs.