SAD ACCIDENT AT MILLERS FLAT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1977, 4 March 1893, Page 3

SAD ACCIDENT AT MILLERS FLAT.

HENRY BRAZIER LOSES HIS LIFE.

Our Miller's Flat correspondent writes : —An accident of a harrowiug nature took place in the vicinity of Messrs Beunet aud Mailler's dredge about eight o'clock on "Wednesday morning last, when the treacherous waters of the Clutha carried off another victim. Henry Brazier, a winchman employed on the dredge, having finished his shift, prepared to return to shore for his mate. Unfortunately, on gettiug into tho boat, he pushed off, having forgotten to loose the rope waich was fastened to the stern, in consequence of which the boat shot out, aud at once turned broadside on to tbe current. The boat partly filled with water and Brazier was thrown out. Being a eood swimmer, he at once struck out for land, and on passing the stern-post of the dredge he attempted to catch it, but failed to do so, as it was beyond his reach. However, hs still struggled bravely for his life, bub either the coldness of ihe water caused him to cramp or his clothes impeded his movements — possibly both — aud the unfortunate roan sank in sight of his own home. Deceased was a man of about fifty years of age and leaves a widow and two children to mouru their loss. No blame attaches to anyone for the sad accident, as far as is at present known, the mistake committed by tbe unfortunate fellow being the primary cause of his death. Deceased had had a narrow escape from death, strangely euough, about, half-an-hour previously while bringing coal aboard the dredge ; bub ib seems after all as if his hour had come, and that fate was not to be baffled or put off. .It should be explained that he had himself fastened tbe stern rope for the purpose of facilitating the [work ot nnloading. Great sympathy is felt for his bereaved wife and. family in the sudden and overwhelming blow they have received.