A SAD FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 443, 15 December 1908, Page 4

A SAD FATALITY.

Three Brothers in a Slip

An accident occurred last week at the head of Take Wakatipu (Otago), resulting in the death of Mr Percy Valpy. The deceased and one of his brothers were at work in their sluicing claim at Precipice Creek some three miles up from Glenorchy, making preparations for what is known as “ washing up.” Between nine and 10 o’clock in the morning, without any warning whatever, a tremendous slip occurred near the mouth of the tunnel.

Mr Percy Valpy was right in the passage ot the slip, and in attempting to get clear he was partly obstructed by a fork which he had in his hands, and he fell, with his chest against a horizontal bar near the exit of the tunnel. The water with accompanying debris, rushed over him, and his feet became wedged between two rocks, so that his escape was rendered impossible. His brother managed to turn off the water, and then endeavoured

to extricate him, but without success. Additional help was sent for, but betore the baud of rescuers got him free, life was extinct. Deceased, who was about 37 years of age, was married, but had no children. A few years ago he went to India, and engaged in missionery work there, but returned to the Head ot the-. Lake some time ago, where he resumed school teaching. He relinquished this, however, about four or five years since, and commenced mining in Precipice Creek, in partnership with his brother.