TWO GIRLS DROWNED

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12357, 29 January 1926, Page 6

TWO GIRLS DROWNED

TRAGIC BIRTHDAY PARTY STEP INTO HOLE IN RIVER THIRD CHILD RESCUED Per Press Association. EKETAHUNA, January 28. A double drowning fatality occurred in the Makakahi river, about one and a half miles from Eketahuna, late this afternoon. The victims were two girls, Millie Dearl and Phyllis Waterreus, both about ten years of age. A birthday picnic for the latter girl was being held on the river bank and a number were playing in the river when these two girls got out of their depth as well as a younger Waterreus girl. Ellen Duffy got the youngest sister ashore and Esne Duffy made a big attempt to rescue Phyllis Waterreus, who however, lost her grip before gaining the shore. Both girls Dearl and Wat terrene sank in a hole in the river ani the bodies were washed under a papa ledge. RAN FOR ASSISTANCE The other girls then ran for assistance and a hoy on horseback brought the news to town. Immediately several people motored to the scene. In the meantime a passing motorist had endeavoured to assist in the rescue, but was not successful. On the arrival of others the bodies were recovered and attempts at resuscitation were made, but as the bodies had been in the water nearly an hour this was given up as hopeless..