FLOOD IN TOKOMARU BAY

Evening Star, Issue 16335, 30 January 1917, Page 6

FLOOD IN TOKOMARU BAY

Particulars are to hand giving the details of the recent severe floods in Poverty Bay, which were largiy confined to Tokoma.ru Bay. Ihe first- report given concerning the loss of the child, Ken Hanlon, ivas not correct, as it stated that the father handed the child to the wife, who tripped over an obstacle, and the child fell from her arms and Mas drowned. Further detail* showed .that it rained and thundered all day Sunday, and when the family rose about 7 p.m. on Monday it Mas still raining heavily, and tne river had risen considerably. The Hanlon, family decided it was not safe, to stay in tho house any longer, and Mr Hanlon, taking the child", with Ins wile following, made for the bridge. On stepping from the verandah of the house they wore immediately kneedee)) in water. ‘Mr Hanlon got hallway through the paddock, hut the current was too strong for Mrs Hanlon, who was gradually being carried towards the river. Gulling lor help, her husband returned to her assistance. Losing her footing in an uncovered well, she '.'rasped him and pulled him in, and the child got washed away. Mr and Mrs Hanlon Mere now in extreme difficulty, and two (Maoris on horses observed -their plight and went to their rescuer One of the Natives dived after the child, but his gallant attempt was not successful, he being impeded by a, fence. After considerable difficulty Mr and Mis Haulon_ were brought to a place, cf safety, after a very Dying experience. .Mrs TLiiiJon is the second eldest daughter of Mr and. Mis W. Richdale. of Ravciisboiiriie, and sincere sympathy is felt for them and the parents of the little one. Tho body of the child was recovered on Sunday and buned at loknmain vesterdar.