BOY'S BODY FOUND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20243, 1 May 1929, Page 16

BOY'S BODY FOUND.

LAKE PUPUKE FATALITY. VERDICT AT THE INQUEST. Floating on the edge of the water a short distance from where the accident happened, the body of Geoffrey J. Shaw, aged 13, late of Takapunn, who was drowned in Lake Pupuke a week ago, was found yesterday morning. Thorough searches were made daily since the fatality by Constable Wood and others. Deceased resided with his parents in Kowhai Street.

Deceased and Percival White, aged 15, who lived next to his home, went on the lake in a canoe. They got into difficulties and the canoe sank. White reached the shore, but Shaw was drowned. Describing the mishap White stated at an inquest held yesterday afternoon that the : canoe was only a canvas one. Deceased had insisted on going on to the lake. When the canoc sank White carried Shaw for some distance on his back until Shaw said he would let go. Witness could not clearly recall how ho got to the shore, but he remembered being on land and seeing no sign of his mate. Help was then sought. ' "This is a very unfortunate accident indeed," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., coroner. "It was no doubt the result of (he action of the boys in going on to the lake when they did not fully appreciate the danger." He returned a verdict of accidental death.