THE TE AWAMUTU TRAGEDY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 2499, 14 June 1920, Page 5

THE TE AWAMUTU TRAGEDY.

DEATH OF MU W. READ. GALLANT ATTEMPTS AT RESCUE. Electric Telegraph—Press Association Auckland. Last. Night. Another thrilling hood story was told on Thursday at the inquest on the bodv of William- Head, who was drowned in the Puniu river, near Te Awaraytu, on THit-sday. Sensational evidence was given by his partner, Len Feist, and his assistant, Raiph -who was on horseback, attempted to ford a deep backwash in the hood to geit to an ■ island where there were rabbits. Feist warned him, but deceased only laughed and rode into the water. Suddenly his horse went down, precipitating Read into twenty feet of water. Haliburton stripped off to go to bis rescue, but Read said, "I’m all right.” Haliburton was going inshore when Read called. ‘■Raliph, help me.” Haliburton swam back through icy water and managed to get hold of Read. He commenced to swim hack, carrying Road, and had almost reached tITe shore, when internal cramp overtook him. Calling to Feist, who was on the bank, ho made a great, effort to retain bis hold on Head, who was lying a deadweight in his arms. His cramp increased. however, and Feist plunged into the water, and after difficulty succeisled m dragging Haliburton to the shore, though he was still holding Head. When the bank was reached Feist caught hold of a shrub and made to pull himself on to the shore. Fin- shrub broke, and all three wore carried out into swirling water. Read was lost and sank. With great difficulty. owing to the terrible cold water, the other two exhausted men reached the bank. Rend could not be (found. Ha iburton and Feist, despite the intense miff, swam about but could not find the btdy The body was recovered next day. FUNERAL AT WOODVILLE. The funeral of the late Mr W Read, who was accidentally drowned at Te Awamutu on Tuesday, took place at Woodville on Saturday. The

very large attendance of people from all parts of tho Woodvi !e and Pahiatua districts gave evidence of the high esteem n win i, the deceased 'gentleman was held Among those present were Messrs L. Feist, th ■ kite Mr Read’s partner, ami Mr V. Pollard of Te Awannuu. who had journeyed spec:ally from Auckland t > pay bis last respects at the graveside. The funeral was one of the longest which has passed throu U i»o*lvi le There were a very larg im i ; ber ef beautiful wreaths, including orte from the Tarurua Club. Pabiatutu. of which Mr Read was an old member, one from the Pahiatua Racing Club, of which .Mr Head was a so-.vn.rd. and one fron the Woodviße •fix k> v Club, r.f which be was abo an official. Th ■ service at the grave- ► >■ - 1 •’id’!' :.-d by Rev. Mr ll.ir.bicr and tin- pa!'-bearers were M—--- W C Ec-Teton, IV T CarTini. C \V Me.v <1 and \ M< E Mu son. • pres, nt in- ihe W. F.C \ . a -raff Mr Ilea l was formi-r- ---<] Messrs \V. A I.eo, aVondvdle Jo. la v Club) and > 1* i 00.1 (Pal a; Ui» Ha. rig . dllb'