TIKORANGI.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 147, 29 November 1895, Page 3

TIKORANGI.

(From a Correspondent.) A distressing and fatal accident occurred here on Friday morning last, the 16th inst, by which a young man named Herbert Richards lost his life. From what can be gathered it appears the unfortunate young man was engaged bu.shfelling with his brother and Mr W. Jupp, of this district, on one of the sections recently leased at the back of Tikorangi. The deceased, with Mr Jupp, was felling a tree into a taua tree in order to, if possible, break off some dead branches of the latter. The tree in falling swerved a a little to one side, catching the taua tree full in the centre, the butt immediately coming back. The deceased stepped straight back, with the result that the tree caught him, knocking him down. Mr Jupp immediately picked him up but he only lived a minute or two. Assistance was obtained and he was brought out to Tikorangi in the evening. The men engaged in carrying the body out had a trying time. For half a mile they had to carry it on their backs; at times only being able to crawl on their hands and knees owing to the steepness of the land ; one going on ahead to cut a track. For another three or four miles tbe road was very bad, being up to the men's knees in mud. When the news became known quite a gloom was cast over the district for the deceased was a steady industrious young man and respected by all who knew him. He was a thorough bushman always extremely careful in everything pertaining to the bush work. He was only twenty-two years of age, and a son of Mr J. Richards of this district. Sincere sympathy is felt for the parents and all in their sad bereavement. An inquest was held on Saturday afternoon before a jury, Mr Bluck acting coroner. After hearing the evidence the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death." Tbe funeral took place in the cemetery, Tikorangi. Seldom has such a large funeral been seen here, there being two hundred or more present, showing the respect in which deceased was held. Persons were present from all parts of the district; a large number coming from Waitara and Waihi.,, Several beautiful wreaths sent by sympathising friends covered the coffin, including one from the Clifton Rowing Club, of which deceased was an active member. The latter club's banner was also carried. Rev T. F. Jones officiated at the grave. A verse of the hymn "In the sweet By-and-by" was sung at the grave, alter which the touching scene was over.