Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 6, Issue 357, 4 February 1863, Page 3

A Clergyman drowned in the Bay of Plenty. — News was received in Auckland yesterday of the death of the Rev. J. J. Alletag, Roman Catholic Missionary in the district of Opotiki, Bay of Plenty, who was accidently drowned when crossing one of the branches of the River Opotiki. From what can at present be learned, it appears that about three weeks ago the rev. gentleman had been to Wakatane, to induce the natives there to come to peace with some neighbouring tribes, between whom, and themselves a feud -existed. He succeeded in his mission, and was returning to his own immediate district when the fatal event occurred. He was mounted on a small horse, and attempted to cross the river. He was accompanied by a Maori who was also mounted. The current proved too strong for the priest's horse, and it commenced plunging ; and at last, rolling over, dismounted the rider. The horse appeared to kick him in the water, and he was not seen to rise again. Three days afterwards the body was found on the banks some distance down the stream ; upon the forehead was a mark of the horse's hoof, too plainly showing that the unfortunate gentleman must have been struck senseless, and consequently rendered incapable of saving his life. We learn that he was a native of Germany and had been upon the mission in this country fourteen years — the last ten of which he passed in the district where he met so melancholy an end. He was comparatively a young man, and was ordained in this city. As a private gentleman,- as a clergyman, and a man of great learning, he was highly esteemed by his few European friends in Auckland ; and among the natives lately under his spiritual care he was regarded with feelings :of respect and love. His life was passed in the service of his Divine Master, and in that service he met his death, — to receive the reward which has <;been promised to all who serve God faithfully.— Soutliern,, Cross, Jan. 17. .