MISHAP AT KAITARATAHI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1070, 11 December 1903, Page 2

MISHAP AT KAITARATAHI.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

'A mishap occurred near the Kaitaratahi bridge yesterday afternoon, which .would probably, have resulted in loss of life but for the promptitude of the men employed at the railway, bridge, A young man was coming to town, driving a buggy and pair, and instead of crossing ’ the bridge, went over by, the ford so as to give the horses a drink. There was a strong stream running at the time, and one horse stumbling against a snag, the pair got out of the course a little, and then into a hole. I-lorses, buggy, and driver disappeared from sight for an instant, and Mrs Law, who happened to. notice this from the hotel yard, at once gave the alarm. The horses plunging forward, got the buggy to higher ground, but were themselves struggling in the water, the driver holding on and keeping their heads ■above water. It seemed as if he would be washed off every second, and as he was unable to swim matters would have gone hard with him. The men engaged on the railway bridge, about a. quarter of a mile lower down the river, raced to the scene, and at once plunged, in to the rescue. “ Save the man ! Never mind the horses—they’re done !” were the cries shouted from the bank ; but- the men were determined to try and save both. While two •got, the driver to a shallow part of the riv?r, the others tried to free the horses,- which were most of the time head under. Then all the men got at this rather dangerous task, and after some trouble both were released from the buggy. One horse was swept down the river, head under, and Mr Wilfred Marshall swam after it,- catching up to it smartly and getting its head above water, after which lie managed to get it to shallow water. After a short spell, botli horses quickly recovered. Ori-a rope being procured, it was attached to the buggy, which was held by a snag. The buggy was successfully dragged out,,-and later on the driver was able t'o continue the journey to town. Those who went to the rescue were mainly Messrs J. Wells (son of the manager of the bridge contract), S. Harnden, Wilfred Marshall (son of the Overseer of the railway works), and W, Elsworthy. Mr Harnden received a kick from one of the horses, but it is not thought that the effect will he more than a bruise. The exciting affair was witnessed from near the railway station 'by those who went out in the excursion train yesterday.