FLOOD DAMAGE INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1920, Page 3

FLOOD DAMAGE INQUEST

ON FIVE VICTIMS

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, This Day. At the inquest on victims of tlie Paparoti flood, John Matthews, a labourer in the employ of the Public Works Department deposed to the deatli of his wife and three children, (Winnie (2), Doris (9), Helen (3). Describing his experiences, Matthews said he swam with the youngest child to the bank., The flood waters had risen to the top wire of the fec-e. He lost some time getting over the femes and on returning to the house, the fence was

quite under water. His wife handed the baby to him out of a window. Bv this time tlie stream was very strong and Matthews had to go two chains up the bank. From there lie swam down to the house. Owing to the strength of the current lie missed the first corn-

er of the dwelling. He managed to catch the other corner as lie was swept along, and worked his way round to the house and found the water half way up to the window and his wife in a fainting condition. He had to get into the room where she was, through the window, to help her losing more time.

About 10 minutes after lie and his wife and four children reached the roof, the house was washed away and all were thrown into the river. lie held the child nearest, Ada, and he thought Winnie caught hold of him. He sank and on coming to the surface managed to swim to the bank with Ada. Winnie was then floating on the water out of his reach. One witness deposed that the deceased man, William Pearce wa,s 60 years of age. He came from Brighton, England six or seven years ago. Prior to going to Paparoa, lie worked at Kaukapakanra ns a gum digger. He was last seen swimming down the stream towards the embankment. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased were drowned, in consequence of a flood that swept the valley, which was caused by excessive raining.