DROWNED IN RIVER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 15 June 1920, Page 4

DROWNED IN RIVER.

BRAVE ATTEMPT AT RESCUE. At the inquest concerning the death of Mr William Read, who was drowned at Te Awamutu, evidence was given hv the deceased’s partner, Mr Feist, and by his assistant, Mr IJaliburton. It apears that Read, who was on horseback, attempted to ford a deep backwash in the flood to get to an island where there were rabbits. Feist warned him, but- deceased only laughed, and rode into the water. Suddenly ins horse went down, precipitating Road into 90 feet of water, Haliburton stripped to go to his rescue, _ bnfc Read said, Tin all right.” Halliburton swam back through icy water and managed to get hold of Read. He commenced to swim back, carrying Rend, and had almost readied shore, when cramp overtook him. Calling to Feist, who was on the bank, he tried ins hardest to retain hold of Reaa, who was lying a dead weight in his anus. His cramp increased, however, heist plunged into the water and succeeded in dragging HaUburtoli inshore, though the latter was still holding Read. When the bank was reached Feist caught a shrub and tried to pull himself up. The shrub broke, and au throe were calried out into the swirling, flood water. Road was lost, and sank. With great difficulty, -owing to the cold water, the other ‘ two exhausted men reached the bank. *» The coroner returned a verdict of accidental drowning.