DROWNING ACCIDENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1635, 28 December 1882, Page 2

DROWNING ACCIDENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

Whilst playing on the grounds adjoining the house of Mr W. Moon, of Cambridge, the illegitimate child of a girl named Emily Johuston was accidenaltly drowned under somewhat peculiar circumstances on Sunday last. The child, which was about eighteen months old, was allowed to play about the house on the morning of the accident, while her mother, who is a domestic servant at Mr Moon's, visited a neighbour on business. On returning, after an absence of a few minutes, she resumed her domestic duties. Immediately she heaid a Maori woman calling out, and on going out to see what was the matter, she saw the Maori woman holding the dead body of her child in her arms. The unfortunate child had been playing about a wash-tub about 10 yards from the house into which it had fallen, and got drowned. There was only about twelve inches of water in the tub at the time ; but it appeared as if the child had lost its balance, and having got its head in the water was unable to assist itself out. It was found in this position by the Maori woman, who pulled it out when instructed by Mrs Moon, whose attention she had drawn to the occurrence. Mr Moon, who was at home, did all in his power to restore life, but withont avail. He sent for Dr Wadilington, who on arrival found that life had been extinct aboul 20 minutes. There were no marks of violence on the body. An inquest was held on Tuesday morning, before Mr W. N. Searancke, coroner, and a jury of twelve, of which Mr W. Reid, sen., was chosen foreman. After hearing evidence, which endorsed tUo facts above stated, and viewing the scone of the accident, a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned " was returned, the jury feeling satisfied as to the cause of death.