FATAL ACCIDENT TO A DREDGE HAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 33

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A DREDGE HAND.

cFaoii Qu» Own Correspondent.)

CROMWELL, May 14.

•A fatal drowning accident occurred at Lowburn at 10 o'clock this morning, one of the evew (Walter P. Stevens) of the Alpine No. 2 dredge, losing his life. From the meagre particulars to hand, it appears Stevens was in the boat under a bank, and his mate was lowering the coal down to him, when a fall of earth fell on Stevens, swamped the boat, and practically buried him in the boat. The body so far has not been found, but dragging operations are now being carried out. and it is supposed deceased is still in the boat. He was a splendid boatman, and one of the best dredgemen on the river, universally respected and a general favourite, and ~ known all over Central Otago. He is a son of Mr Stevens, late head teacher of the Clvdc School, and a brother of the proprietors of the Dunstan Times. He it about 33 years of age, and- single.

CLYDE, May 14. _ Information was received here this (Monday) morning of the drowning ol Walter Stevens, an employee on one of the Clutha River dredges. The young man was a native of Clyde, and a son of Mr J. E. Stevens, schoolmaster. General regref is felt at the sad fatality, the deceased being a general favourite throughout th< district, and an all-round athlete of higlj merit. As the young fellow was a notec swimmer, the news of his drowning cam* as a surprise.

A woman who appeared before the Benevolent Trustees at Wellington on Tuesday afternoon stated that she was paying 6» a week for the privilege of occupying a bathroom with her child, and was cooking food for herself and her little one on ar oil lamp. The truetee granted her assi^U anc/a.