Fatal Bathing Accident.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 24 January 1891, Page 2

Fatal Bathing Accident.

+ Mr A. S. Easton has had staying with him for the last two or three weeks his nephew from Wellington, Master Robert Twist. Yesterday afternoon between three and four o'clock young Twist, and the two little Easton's, Sydney and Percy, went down to the boating cluL'o ihccl by the side of the .river to have a bathe. The river was nearly at low water, the tide just coming in. Near the spot chosen for a bathe, the bank slopes gradually down to a point when it suddenly breaks clear away into deep water. Shortly after getting into the river young Twist ( aged 14) worked up towards the ballast wharf, when suddenly he disappeared over the ledge. Little Sydney saw him go down once, and ran to some Maoris a little further up the river and got them to come and help rescue the lad. When they arrived, with a canoe, the unfortunate lad had disappeared from sight. Of course every effort has been made to recover the body but as yet, we re-, gret to say, without effect. Mr Enderby kindly made great efforts by diving along the bank but with no result, though he is considered one of our best swimmers. There is not much likelihood of the body having moved far, and we have hopes of being able to record its having been found before going to press. It is a reflection on the authories, police, as well as the railway, that no proper drags are kept at this port. We hope some recommendation will be made when the inqniry touching his death, is held. The accident certainly appears to be|one of those very regrettable but wholly unpreventable ones connected with bathing, and whilst sympathising with the parents and /elations, we cannot think they have anything to blame themselves for. The body was recovered close to where he went under by Mr T. Easton this morning about noon. An inquest will be held this afternoon.