RIVER FATALITY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 20 June 1924, Page 5

RIVER FATALITY.

IN WANGANUI RIVER.. AIANAGER OF HERALD. (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WANGANUI, June 19. Mr. H. V. Duigan, manager of the Wanganui Herald, and one of the best known residents of AVanganui, lost hie life in the flooded river to-night. In order to make his oil launch safe he put off in' a dinghy, which capsized, and Mr. Duigan, who was an excellent swimmer, had his foot caught in a lope and was drowned. The body was recovered. Deceased was prominent in musical and dramatic circles, was leader of the motor launch club, and an enthusiast generally in public affairs. He was well known in Masonic circles, being a past master of Lodge Tongariro. The news of his death caused widespread regret. The Chronicle editorially writes: The people of Wanganui and district will be profoundly shocked this morning on learning of the tragic death of Air H \ . Harry Duigan, the manager of our evening contemporary. That the river which he knew ayd loved so-well should have claimed him. as a victim adds a piognant touch of pathos to his untimely passing. An expert swimmer , and boatman and a keen enthusiasm in all branches of aquatic sport, there was perhaps no one more familiar with the river s varying moods than the genial, kmdly-hearted gentleman who, in a moment of fateful accident, was last night dragged to his death bv an entangling rope. Air. Duigan was of course, widely known as manager of the Herald; blit it was as a willing helper in the fields of charity, philanthropy, and social betterment that he rendered his best services to the community. ' A man of considerable versatility both as organiser and entertamer, his talents were alwavs wholeheartedly at the command of anv deserving cause. Courteous and considerate in business, popular alike in public and private life, the deceased, gentleman held the esteem and goodwill of a host of friends among all classes. With them we join in heartfelt symor ie £ r ief-strioken widow and children, who have, been so suddenly and so tragically bereaved