Fatal Accident.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5827, 24 July 1890, Page 2

Fatal Accident.

[fhom ouit own correspond knt.] Obmonj>, to-day. People in this district have got so accustomed to crossing the rivers while in flood that they have become quite adept in negotiating the different fords ; aud accidents have been few and far between. But to-day it is my painful duty to chronicle a fatal accident, the circumstances of which are peculiarly harrowing. It appears that a man named John Soars passed through Ormond about midday yesterday, bound for his home near Karaka. Having reached Kaiteratahi he was cautioned — indeed almost, forbidden to cross the river, unless he did so by the boat. Sears did not say anything, bub Mr Dovery thought he had made up his mind to cross by the boat. However, shortly afterwards information was brought Mr Devery that the man was foolishly attempting to ford on horseback, and it was now too late to prevent him. The ferry man was at once sent to fetch the boat, while the horse gallantly bore its rider into the middle of the river. Here rider and horse were seen to part company, the man being carried down the river, and the horse making its way in safety to the opposite side. Meantime the boat was rapidly coming to the man's assistance, and Mr Devery with five or six others on the bank were encouraging Sears all they knew to keep up, that tho boat was coming to his rescue. Sears, however, was becoming exhausted, and on passing a snag made a last effort to clutch it. Unfortunately, he did not succeed in doing so, and he was seen to sink, — carried under by the current. A few yards further down he rose again, but those on the bank could sco that he was done, and that thorn was no possibility of the boat reaching him in time to savo his life. No assistance could be rendered him from the bank, and tho poor fellow sank to come to the surface no more, alive. A diligent search was made for the body during the afternoon, the boat proceding as far as Ormond, bub without success. Mr Devory at once gave notice to the police, who will no doubt bo on the look out along tho river for the body, but it is thought here that it will be carried oub to sea. Tho fording of the river whilst in flood is a hazardous feat, and travelr.se should not attempt to cross without the aid of the boat. Sears leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss.