DROWNED IN RIVER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21453, 29 March 1933, Page 8

DROWNED IN RIVER

FATE OF YOUNG MAOBr ; |jj ATTEMPT TO SWIM ACROSS '4 TWO COMPANIONS RESCUED v | [by telegraph—own correspondent] j| TAUPO, Tuesday A drowning accident has occurred in the Waikato River at Atiamuri. Mrs. ; '| Fraser, Miss Lucy Reihana and Mr. Tau Pukeariki, who were with a party of' ."if Maoris eel fishing, decided to swirn the "% river at a spot about opposite the Atia- ; : M muri Lodge. At this point the river is over 50yds. wide with a fairly swift current. Before the three swimmers had reached halfway they were in difficulties. Mr. C. Clark, salesman, of Rotorua, who was fly fishing in the vicinity, observed their plight and by casting with, his rod was able to put his lino within reach of Miss S Reihana, whom lie quickly brought ashore. Puke'ariki appeared to be swimming strongly again and Mr. Clark then directed ■?. ? Mrs. Fraser to float with the current to a part of the bank where he -was able to assist her from the water. Jt was then found that Pukeariki hadi' 1 disappeared without warning and no further trace of him was found. f! .| Deceased was 26 years of age and was considered an able swimmer. It is thought that ho was suddenly drawn under in a down current. ft was providential that Mr. Clark hap. pened to be in the vicinity, as he was able to save two lives.