Sad Drowning Fatality at Campbelltown.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 221, 24 January 1894, Page 2

Sad Drowning Fatality at Campbelltown

One of the saddest fatalities of late occurred at Campbelltown on Sunday last. A young man named Herbert Duke, aged 17 years, accompanied by his cousin and some other companions, went to the Oroua river for a bathe. The deceased was in company with another lad trying to float on a board in the river. The latter got off the board on nearing deep water, and warned his companion of the danger, but he was carried out over his depth, and lost his hold of the plank. Neither he nor his companion could swim, and before assistance could be got by the others, who were bathing some distance below, the young fellow sank without a cry for help, and was drowned. The news spread quickly in Campbelltown, and within an hour after the fatality, which occurred at 11 o'clock, about thirty persons were at the river side trying to find the body. A raft was constructed, and two or three young fellows were engaged for a long time trying to get the body, but it was not till 3.30 p.m. that they succeeded in finding it. The deceased was the second son of Mrs Duke, a widow, and was of great help to her. He was well liked, and his loss has been keenly felt all over the district. The young man's death was a great blow to Mrs Duke, who lias since been in a hysterical condition. An inquest was held yesterday morning at 10.30, when a verdict of "Accidental death while bathing" was returned, no blame being attached to anyone. At 12.30 the cortege left for the Sandon cemetery, were [sic] the deceased's remains were interred. The Rev Mr Watkin officiated at the grave, and a very impressive ceremony took place in the presence of a great number of mourners and friends.