THE NORTHERN BOATING FATALITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2218, 23 October 1907, Page 2

THE NORTHERN BOATING FATALITY.

HARROWING DETAILS Press Association.

AUCKLAND, Oct. 22. Atr. W. Adamson, one of the victims of the Wliangape fatality, was a clerk employed by the Alitchelson Timber Company. He was a married man. Ilia wife residing in Auckland. .Mr. D. T. Wallace was 30 or 35 years of age. He was appointed tide surveyor for the Customs .at Wliangape a couple of months ago, and was also a fiaxmlller. The whole of those drowned were _ well known in the district', and their sad fate has plunged the place jnito a condition of tho deepest grief. The party bad been out on a fishing excursion, and were returning over the bar, when the launch capsized. ■Further details show that the launch, containing 12 persons, was capsized by a heavy breaker, which carried away part of the deckhouse and precipitated all the occupants into the water. Another roller scattered tho unfortunate stragglers, and when it passed on only five of them were able to get to the launch, which was floating keel up. These wore Adamson, Wi Hare, Harold Wallace, York, and Blundell. They stripped. W.i Hire then sprang off the launch, and swam towards the northern shore, which lie reached after a long swim. living, who is a good swimmer, when he came to the surface after the capsize, looked for the hoy Popplewcll, but was unable to see him. Then he started for the shore, followed by Tepaa and David Wallace. Irving and Tepaa reached the land, tlie latter very exhausted, having to he lifted on to the rocks by Irving and Wi Hare. Wallace was lost sight of. Those who reached tho shore being unable to find any trace of the survivors, proceeded to the settlement. Allen states that on coming to tho surface after the capsize lie found lie could not get back to the launch. He called to Wi Hare, who threw him a collide of boards, which lie savs were the means of keeping him afloat, as lie was exhausted, hanging to a benzine case. With the exception of Tepaa, who is confined to bed, all the survivors are progressing favorably. Blundell was picked up by a boat sent from Wliangape ferry station, two miles from the scene of the " isualtv. He was in a very exhausted condition, clinging to a benzine case.