FATALITIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 449, 19 January 1909, Page 3

FATALITIES.

Dunedin, January 17

A drowning accident occurred at Brighton this morning, the victim being William Jeffs, aged 19 years. Deceased and three companions—named Alfred Clark, John Griffiths, and Herbert Perry—were bathing at the usual place. Jeffs swam out some distance by himself, and found the current too strong to allow him to get back. When it was seen that he was in trouble Perry swam to his assistance, and Jeffs said, “ Try to save me, Herbert.” Perry got hold of deceased three times, but the cur? rent was so strong that fie. had to let go. Perry just managed to reach the shore in. an exhausted condition. There is a rock about 200 yards from the scene of the accident, but it was impossible to reach it. The body has not been recovered. Deceased was the son of James Jeffs, livery stable proprietor, and well-known in racing circles.

Dunedin, January 18, George Topi, a grandson of Parata, M.P., died at Puketeraki on Saturday, as the result of a strain received while working on the Government steamer, Hinemoa. Deceased was eighteen years of age. Dannevirke, January 18, A man named Daureut Friis, a native of Denmark, aged fifty, committed suicide at Piripiri by shooting himself in the head with a pea rifle. Deceased arrived with the early Scandinavian settlers abot 34 years ago. He had been complaining of illness of late. ,