BLAKETOWN FATALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1931, Page 4

BLAKETOWN FATALITY

BOY DROWNEO IN LAGOON. (Grey "Argus,") \ drowning tragedy occurred at th« Blakotown Lagoon at 11,43 on Satur* day morning, when a boy named Desmond Pike, aged seven years, only son of Air and Airs E. H. Pike, of Doyle Street, Blaketown, lost his life. It appears that,' in company with four other young boys, named Ellery, Kenning and Conza (2), the boy was playing in a boat tethered to the Blaketown side of the lagoon. The boys were rocking the boat at the time and by some means the boy Pike was precipated into the water, AY hen that happened the other hoys all became scared, and they climbed out of the boat and made off and did not give any alarm. It was when another boy nv them that it was learned what had happened and the alarm was given to somo men who were only 100 yards way. Then a large number of Blaketown residents assembled quickly and commenced dragging operations in the vicinity. Dragging operation continued unsuccessfully until 6.45 p.m., when the body was caught in one of the nets. It was taken out of the water by Air Y\ . Hannani sent’., and removed to the parents’ home. Air Pike, who is a storeman in the Railways Department, reached home soon after mid-day to hear of the sad happening. The child was a fine sturdy one, and great symapthy is felt for the bereaved parents.