AUCKLAND.

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 664, 8 March 1864, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

Death by Drowning.—The Electric Eel.—A man belonging to the 70th was drowned whilst bathing in the Waipa river. The unfortunate man, who is said to have been a good swimmer was floating on his back in the river, when he suddenly uttered a cry, and was seen to sink. His body was afterwards recovered. With reference to this case the JVew Zealander of Tuesday has the following remarks:—" Death in this way have been of frequent occurrence lately, and we think it not improbable that they arise from a cause little suspected. Most people have heard of the Gymnotus, or Electric Eel, of South America, that wonderful fish which contains in its own organization, a galvanic battery far stronger than ever was constructed by human hands in the same compass. A single touch from one of these creatures is fatal to its recipient, paralysing him, and causing a sudden cessation of the action of the heart. Eren as large an animal as a horse, being struck by a gymnotus in full vigor, floats helplessly down the stream, and is soon drowned. A gentleman who is acquainted with the Waikato and the Waipa assures us that the existence of these electric eels is well known to the natives. It is not long since several Maoris were known to have perished while bathing from strokes of these eels."