ACCIDENTS & FATALITIES

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17015, 31 January 1927, Page 8

ACCIDENTS & FATALITIES

SHAMMING CAUSES DEATH. FLOCK HOUSE BOY DROWNED. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., Monday. A Flock House trainee, William James Thomas Gox, a recent arrival from England, was accidentally drowned while bathing yesterday in a forbidden part of the Hangitikei River. Shortly before the tragedy deceased called for help, hut was only shamming. A little later real cries of distress were heard, hut no sign was seen of Gox, whoso body was not recovered until late last night. Deceased was an orphan, and had no brothers or sisters. MISHAP TO PICNIC PARTY. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, Monday. A motor lorry, while returning with a picnic party, broke away while descending a hill at Akatarawa yesterday, owing to the brakes failing, and crashed down the bank. Three of the passengers were admitted,to the hospital. Mrs Elizabeth Tapp (20) suffered severe injuries to the back and is suffering from shock. Her condition is reported to he serious. Walter and Vivian Siely received similar abrasions and arc suffering from shock. BLENHEIM, Saturday. A serious acident happened to a Tinline Valley mill hand. James Ilorwood was replacing a belt on a large pulley, and was turning the pulley by hand when the engine unaccountably started. The unfortunate man was wheeled round the shafting under the roof and fell to the floor unconscious, with both legs broken and severe abrasions to the head and body. Ilorwood was aged 2S and was single, and was a native of Australia. AUCKLAND, Monday.

An accident showing the danger that may attend childish prauks occurred at Shelly Beach, Ponsonby, yesterday afternoon. While seated with his wife near the bank, at the western end of the swimming baths, Mr Percy. Gunning was struck by the branch of a tree that had been thrown down by some children playing on the top. Mr Gunning received several scalp wounds and stitches had to he inserted, Francis Joseph Kenny, aged 24, single, of Ponsonby, was fatally injured through falling off a lorry while travelling from Waipipi to Waiuku at about seven o’clock on Saturday ingA serious accident occurred last evening, Miss Eunice Comeskey, aged 28, residing at Mount Eden, sustaining very severe injuries through being struck by a motor car. Slight injuries were received by Douglas Clayton, aged eight years, through being knocked down by a motor car in New Lynn yesterday afternoon. OTOROHANGA, Sunday. A drowning accident occurred in the Waipa River at Otorohanga yesterday afternoon, the victim being Grace Annie Meredith, aged 12, daughter of Mr and Mrs It. D. Meredith, of Lake Road, Ohaupo. The girl had been bathing with some companions, who left her with other bathers. On their reluming she had disappeared. The river at this point is very dangerous for anyone who is not a strong swimmer. The body was recovered at 7.30 p.m. CHRISTCHURCH, Monday.

John O. Piggott, a young farm labourer, was drowned in the llurunui River yesterday. While bathing he slipped into a deep hole. EKETAHUNA, Monday.

Harold Elsmorc, aged 17, residing with his parents at Newman, was drowned in the Makakahi River yesterday afternoon. He was one of a parly which went bathing, -and while wading slipped off a ledge into a hole 12ft deep. He could not swim, and his father rushed to his assistance, but could not retain his hold on account of the lad’s struggles, and the boy sank. His body was recovered hair an hour later, but efforts at resuscitation were futile.