YOUNG BOY DROWNED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23542, 30 December 1939, Page 6

YOUNG BOY DROWNED

ASSISTING TWO BROTHERS PLUCKY ATTEMPT AT RESCUE [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] WHANGAREI. Friday An 11-year-old schoolboy, Brian Albert Moore, whoso parents live at Mata, Hokianga, was drowned in the Mata inlet of the Hokianga River. Together with his two brothers, Mervyn and Allan, the boy was fishing for eels and later the lads went for a swim. Allan got into difficulties and Mervyn, who went to his assistance, also experienced difficulty in keeping afloat. Brian then set out from the shore and, although Allan and Mervyn reached the land safely, no trace could be seen of the other brother. The accident was noticed by two Maoris, Mr. William Waipina and Mr. Mita Holiai, the latter diving fully clothed into tho water, which was 20ft. deep, in an effort to find the boy. Eventually lie brought the body to the shore and, although Constable McNutt, of Kohukohu, who had been summoned, worked for an hour and a-half, with the assistance of Mrs. McNutt at resuscitation, the efforts were unsuccessful. About six month ago an elder brother of the boy met his death through drowning.