THRILLING STORY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 1588, 14 June 1920, Page 5

THRILLING STORY.

INCIDENT OF RECENT FLOODS.

ATTEMPT TO RESCUE A DROWN-

ING MAN

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Saturday

Another thrilling flood story was told on Thursday at the inquest on the body of William Read, who was drowned in the Puniu river, near Te Awamutu, on Tuesday. Sensational evidence was given by his partner. Feist, and his assistant, Haliburton. It was stated that Read, who was on horseback, attempted to ford a deep backwash in flood to get to an island where there were rabbits. Feist warned him, but deceased only laughed and rode into the water. Suddenly his horse went down, precipitating Read into twenty feet of water. Haliburton stripped off to go to his rescue, but Read said, “ I’m all i-ight. Haliburton was going inshore when Read called, “Ralph, help me.” Haliburton swam back through icy water and managed to get hold of Read. He commenced to swim back, carrying Read, and had almost reached the shore, when internal cramp overtook him. Calling to Feist, who was on tbe bank, be made a great effort to retain his bold on Read, who was lying a deadweight in his arms. His crump increased, however, and Feist plunged into the water, and after difficulty succeeded in dragging Haliburton to the shore, though he was still holding Read. When the bank was reached Feist caught bold of a shrub and made to pull himself on to the shore. The shrub broke, and all thi-ee were carried out into swirling water. Read was lost and sank. With great difficulty, owing to the terrible cold water, the other two exhausted men reached the bank. Read could not be found. Haliburton and Feist, despite the intense cold, swam about, but could not find the body. The body was recovered next day. Read was well-known as a gentleman rider at Paliiatua.