WHAT A BOY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 279, 4 December 1901, Page 1

WHAT A BOY.

A boy’s flight to sea is no new thing although it is not now so common as it once was. But a lad whose parents reside in a small town in Somerset has distinguished himself in an escapade which has created a sensation in

tho west of England. Although only 12 years of age, lie is said to have left home with about £3O in gold and silver. His disappearance was at once notified to the Bristol Police. Then it was discovered that the hoy had purchased a boat for £0 10s. ac _ companies a y another youth of tender years, had rowed through the floating

harbor, a distance of two mi,es, to the lock leading out to the tidal river Here the boys were confronted with a difficulty ; the lock gates would not rers, assisted by other lads, caried the boat ashoreand afterwards launched it in the Avon. The iirst adventurer then started alone for the open sea. The dangers of the Avon were succetv.ully overcome, and though the sea was rough in the Bristol Channel, the hoy continued his perilous voyage, evidently intending to proceed to Weston-super-Mare, a distance of twenty miles Even an experienced boatman would hesitate to undertake such a risky trip, but the lad continued his voyage without mishap until forced by stress oi weather to put into Portshead. On landing he went to the principal lioyel and engaged a room for the night. The police, however, were soon on his track, and the remarkable escapade was closed by the lad being conveyed to his hotnei