ANOTHER FATAL ACCIDENT IN THE WAIKATO RIVER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2117, 2 February 1886, Page 2

ANOTHER FATAL ACCIDENT IN THE WAIKATO RIVER.

It is our painful duty to record .another sad case of drowning, another young life cut off and fallen a victim to the treacherous currents in the Waikato. During Sunday afternoon, about half-past four o'clock, several young men were bathing 1 at the beach at Cambridge, on Major Wilson* property, near the spot where the bathing enclosure has recently been erected. Ono of the party, named John Turnbull, 22 j years of age, was evidently caught by a strong eddy, and carried away in the sight of his companions and many persons who were on the beach at the timo. When he found himself in danger, he cilled out to his companions, "Quick, quick, help me !" Jas. McVeagh, son of Mr McVeagh, the Cambridge poundkeeper, tried to catch Turnbull by the hair, but it being closely cut he could obtain no hold, and the unfortunate young man disappeared before any further attempts to save him could be made. Some ran to a punt that waa near the locality, but, as we have said, the poor fellow had already been swallowed up by the cruel waters. We undei stand the deceased waa a son of Mr Turnbull, manager of Mr W. J. Taylors property at Piako. He formerly worked on Mr Jas. Taylors farm at Cambridge, and latterly was employed by Mr Arnold, butcher, in Victoria-street. Mr Jas. McVeagh, who made an attempt to save the unfortunate young man Turnbull, informs us that the melancholy occurrence took place a few yards outside of the bathing enclosure, where there is a strong back current, and that he was unable to do any more towards grappling with so big and strong a man as the deceased without iminiuent peril to himself. Mr Turnbull, senr., and a brother of the deceased have arrived in Cambridge. Hugh McCrae, Powell, and one or two other young men sprang into the water to go to Turnbulls asbUtnuc?, but were unable to reach him, owing to the swift and powerful current, whereby their own safety was endangered. Since the recent rains the rher has become much higher and more dangerous than during the long spell of dry weather.