TAPANUT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 187, 7 September 1871, Page 5

TAPANUT.

(Fiom our own Correspondent.)

A sad accident occurred at Captain M'Kenzie's crossing on Thursday last. Some Chinese wishing to ctoss, David Wine, the Captain's servant, went to cross them in a small punt erected by the Captain at his own expense for the convenience of foot passengers, and in doing so, the punt slewed round broadside on to the current and soon filled, the weight of which broke the wire rope, f of an inch thick, which it worlced on ; and instead of the Chiaamen sticking on to the punt, they leaped into the water, and were rapidly swept down the stream, remaining in sight for a few seconds and then disappearing. The man Wine happily could swim, and although he got tangled in the gear of the punt and once got caught by the leg by one of the Chinese, he succeeded in reaching the opposite bank much exhausted. A shepherd of Mr. Pointer's was at hand, but could give no assistance, except succeeding in picking up a swag belonging to one of the Chinamen. The punt, which was built on two flat-bottomeJ. boats, about 18 inches wide and lj feet long, both battont;d over, was not a very safe affair ; s'i'l, tho whole fix in "3 wou'd, I daresay, co -jt near £20 f>r building and erecting. It has also gone wtih poor John, it is presumed, to the Molvnenx.

I regret to say that two, and 1 believe a third child of Captain M'Kenzie's, Glenkenith, are suffering from scarlet fever. Dr, M'Lcughlan is in attendance.

It is a great shame that something is not done towards getting a foot bridge on the Pomahaka. Some seasons of the year foot passengers are detained for days at the Captain's station, and of course living on his hospitality. Considering the bad times, as bad as they are it would be a saving of something considerable if Capt. M'Kenzte erected one himself at his own expense. Certainly it is time something should be done, if only for humanity's sake, for many good men risk their lives crossing this and and other rivers in this province dozens of times in the year.