Sad Drowning Fatality.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 308, 19 April 1907, Page 2

Sad Drowning Fatality.

AT KIRITEHEIiE. A BBAVE MOTHEB.

Word was received by Constable M'Carthy that a child bad, been drowned at Kiiitebere. That officer at once commenced the journey but before he had coin plated it met Mr P. C. Rose, J.l’., and was inform d that the inquest had been held, and that he was conveying the depositions to Ka-whia—-an action to be commended. It appears that on Ftiday morning two young children were playing on the bank of tbe Kintehere Creek wh?n one of them (Grace Klein, aged four years) fell into the stream. Her companion, (aged gevaw) ran to tbe house and acquainted the mother of the fact. Mrs Klein ran to the place and without a moment’s hesitation jumped into the creek, fully clothed. The place where the child fell is d>c p. • bat tbe strong current washed th - mother past the helpless child. MrKlein, regaining the bank I iwer down, and scrambling up ran back, aud with that heroism characteristic of mothers again sprang info the tide, but was carried past. By ’his itne the child bad disappeared and Mrs K<: in was so exhausted that she c mid only just make the laud. The father w.iworking at the back f :ho seet;;-n. Oo being acquainted cf tbefae. b • hurried to the sp.)t and rec ivered the b (L, after it bud besn in the water fjr iw ■ boars. Persistent efforts were made *o resuscitate life, but without success. Word was sent to Mr Rise ?f the c-e currenc'?..

The inquest was b ;ld the fullowirg day, Mr Rose ac inga : coroner. After hearing the evidsnaa the jury brought in a verdictof accidental drowning, and added a rider huding M s Kleins fur her heroic aff ris to -ave the child.

The funeral was largely attended by the settlers. Tbe body bad to be c m veyed six miles over bush tricks to the cemetery, those present taking turns at carrying the coffin. The sad event cast quite a gloom over the whole district, and the unfortunate parents have the sympathy of all.