HERO OF THE FLOOD.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 1585, 10 June 1920, Page 5

HERO OF THE FLOOD.

A STIRRING story.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Last night

A stirring story of a struggle in the flood was told at the inquest at Otorohangu yesterday, on the body of Mr Prank Dunkely, supervisor for the Public Works Department, who was drowned in the flood water. The deceased, according to Mr M'Cready, had received telegrams reporting slips, and said he would go. Mr M'Cready said he would accompany deceased. They met, among others. Robert M'Cready, son of Mr M'Cready, who called attention to the water on the road. Robert, who was riding a big horse, changed with witness, and took the lead. Witness was next deceased. All went well until four chains from a junction, where there is a dip in the road, Robert’s horse began to swim, and he called out. The horse swam about three lengths, and then touched bottom: Looking back, Robert saw his father safe, but deceased was in difficulties, the horses plunging wildly- Robert took his coat and vest off, and jumped on the big horse ridden by witness, and went back to help deceased- He reached him just as deceased's horse got clear. He caught deceased by the collar of the coat, and deceased caught the horse’s mane. Robert pulled the deceased behind him on to the saddle, when the horse, which was swimming all the time, gave a great plunge, and threw them both off. Robert let the horse go, so as to help deceased. Both went down, and coming to the surface, Robert got deceased on his back, and started to swim. He was making little headway, since deceased was fully clothed, and was also wearing an oilskin, while Robert’s own clothes were heavy. Deceased said: 'T am nearly done, Bob.” Deceased then let go, and sank, never to rise. A moment later Robert got on to a barbwire fence, and waited to see deceased rise. As he did not rise, Robert dived, but could not find him. The water was deep and muddy. Robert continued to dive until exhausted, when he swam to a tree about ten yards off, from which he was rescued by a boat in an exhausted condition. Witness, when his son went to help deceased, also returned into the water to help. As deceased failed to rise, he rode back for help. There must have been at least 12 to 14 feet of water at the spot. A verdict of drowning was recorded. A rider was added to the effect that great praise was due to Robert M'Cready for his gallant conduct. Deceased was nearly four years at the front.