TWO MAORIS DROWNED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16595, 19 July 1917, Page 4

TWO MAORIS DROWNED.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER.

WASHED AWAY AT CROSSING.

HELPING TO SAVE A RELATION

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

THAMES, Wednesday. A native named Porangi Meo and his daughter Wairata Huku "were drowned near Nevesville on Sunday.

In company with Hari Huku, the latter's husband, they were returning to Nevesville from Wharekawa on horseback, and had completed the greater portion of the journey, fording; the river a number of times. When crossing the river, which was in flood, four miles from Nevesville, Hari Huku's horse got into difficulties, and rolled over. He called to the other two, who had already crossed in safety, for help. Presumably they returned to his assistance, and lost their lives in the endeavour to save him.

Hari Huku, after being washed down some distance, succeeded in effecting a landing in a much bruised condition. He managed to make his way to the Golden Belt, battery, believing that the others had gone on into Nevesville. It was not until the next morning that he ascertained they had not returned. The bodies were afterwards recovered about two miles below the crossing.

At the inquest a verdict of accidentally drowned was returned.