ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT THE MOLYNEUX FERRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 585, 14 February 1863, Page 5

ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT THE MOLYNEUX FERRY.

LOSS OF TWO LIVES.

(FROII THE DAILT TIME 3.)

Another accident occurred at the Molyneux Ferry yesterday — the punt capsized and two men were drowned. The following particulars have been furnished us by an eye witness of the occurrence: —

(To the Editor of the Dailt Times.)

Sir, — I have just witnessed a very shocking accident. I was waiting for my boat to cross the ferry in the punt, but previously to it crossing, an American waggon was put into it, and when in the middle of the stream the punt capsized, and the waggon disappeared under water. One of the men belonging to the punt with the man belong ing to the waggon have been Irowned, also two horses, the waggon and all the property lost. The weather was very mild at the time, not a breath of air, and the water very low to what I have seen it. It is very well known that the present punt is not adapted for the traffic, and loss of life, and loss of property will very often occur if prompt measures are not taken. The strong current of the Molyneux requires at least a punt of double the size of that at the present time. Five or six drays including the one with my boat are waiting on the other side of the river, and Heaven only knows when they will be able to cross over the river. Every exertion was made to save the life of the two men, but unsuccessfully. The waggon is a few miles down the stream and very nearly nil under water. The accident happened at a quaiter to eight o'clock this morning, and the po^t leaving at eight. I send you these few lines. More particulars will very' likely be sent to you by the authorities by next mail. Yours, &c,

Cai»t. Lascazas, P.S. — Major Richardson just arrived— he is going to hold an inquest about it. Molyneux Ferry, Feb. 11.