THE LATE DROWNING AT WHANGAREI HEADS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6237, 12 November 1881, Page 5

THE LATE DROWNING AT WHANGAREI HEADS.

Search lias been made for the bodies and the boat, but without success. The spring tides, running so strong, would very likely sweep all to deep water and into the channel. The boat was fitted with washboards ; when capsized she would hold the ballast, and certain to sink. The oars must have been secured, otherwise they would have floated, and might have been the means of saving the lives. Neither Morgan or McDonald could swim. Their struggle for life must have been of short duration, as boats were off at once and could not find the least trace. It was blowing a heavy e;ale at the time, so that the squalls from the high hills raised drifts, and it was very imprudent to carry canvas in such weather, lience the result. Mrs. Morgan has now become a widow the second time. Willie McDonald was her only son, and about 21 years ol age —his mother's fondest hope, his loss will be heart-breaking to her. The bereaved family consists of four daughters. They have been in comfortable circumstances for some time, but now when the bread-winners of the family are taken away, it will come hard, and mucli sympathy will be felt for them. Mr. Morgan was a discharged private of the -10th Regiment. He was a very industrious and steady man; was ex tremely kind and obliging, always ready to give his neighbours a helping hand when required. The loss of both has cast a gloom over the place.—[Correspondent, Nov. 10.]