Boy Drowned In Hatea River

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1938, Page 8

Boy Drowned In Hatea River

■ Slipping from the bank into a deep pool in the Hatea River above Mair Park yesterday aftexmoon. Geoffrey Paul Knight, aged eight years, ron of Mr and Mrs Alfred Edward Knight accountant of the State Advances Department, Whangarei, was drowned. The river, which winds at the foot of Dobbie’s Estate where the State housing settlement is located, contains many deep holes and the tenants of the State houses discourage their' children from visiting the locality. Only once previously had deceased been to the river, and on that occasion he was admonished by his parents, who reside in No. 12, Fompallier Avenue. However, yesterday, in company with Peter Foster, a school friend, aged eight, Geoffrey Knight again visited the bushclaa slbpes of the stream.

Fell From Bank. He was probing the depth of a pool with a stick when, according to his companion, who was the only witness, he fell in. The boy swam to one hank but could not get out, and, when attempting to swim back, disappeared while calling for help, Peter Foster immediately went for assistance, and Mr W. F. Berry v of Pompallier Street, was quickly on the scene. He dived in, attempting to recover the body, and Mrs A. P. Foster, followed within a few minutes. Both made several attempts, but the water, following the recent heavy rains was both deep and discoloured. The Whangarei pclicc were informed at 4.50 p.m. and Sgt. Bisset with three constables commenced the search, which continued until nightfall and was resumed at 6 a.m. today. The stream is strewn with boulders and crocks, making the use of grappling irons impossible. The pool in which the tragedy occurred is about 12ft. in depth. Widespread sympathy will be extended to the parents in their sad bereavement. Geoffrey Knight was a bright, intelligent lad of great popularity. Shortly after 1 p.m., the body was recovered about 50 yards from where the boy was supposed to have fallen in. The police were assisted throughout the search by a number of residents.

Inquest Opens. An inquest was opened before the district coroner, Mr H. C. Hemphill, ihis afternoon, when Alfred Edward Knight, accountant in the State Advances Corporation, and resident at Pompallier Street, identified 'the body as that of his son, Geoffrey Paul Knight, aged eight years. Mr Knight said that he last saw his son alive at 8 o’clock yesterday morning, when he was preparing to leave for school. Late in the afternoon, he learned of his drowning in the Hatea River, and he was present when the body was removed from the water at 1.30 p.ra.

The hearing was adjourned sine die