A NATIVE DROWNED AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1364, 29 March 1881, Page 2

A NATIVE DROWNED AT CAMBRIDGE.

Unusual excitement prevailed in this township' during the afternoon of Sunday last, when it became known that a native named William Hira of the Maungatautari tribe, had accidentally met his death whilst bathing in the river. It appears that at about 3 o'clock iv the afternoon, Hira left his camp — which is situated about a hundred yards from the place where the body was found— with the intention of having a swim. Having divested himself of his clothing, he proceeded to the rock at the bend of the river, from which he jumped, and swam a little way down with the stream. Having gone a few yards, he disappeared below the surfaoe, and not being seen to rise, his friends immediately set to work to recorer the body. After more than an hour's search a native, who had dived, succeeded in recovering him frdna the bottom, where he was found standing in an upright position. Every effort was made to restore - animation, but without success. A* fire was lit and the head nmoked — the body in the meantime being well rubbed — but as it had been under water for orer an hour, all attempts at resuscitation were of no avail. The body was subsequently removed to the camp. Deceased was about 40 years of age and married, and was well-known and respected by the natives. The cause of the accident is not known, some attributing it to cramp, while others say that deceased was slightly intoxicated before going into the water. Au inquest will probably be held.