STIRRING STORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2138, 10 June 1920, Page 3

STIRRING STORY.

OF A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE,

Auckland, Yostorday. ..A stirring story of a struggle in the flood was told afllie inquest at Otorohangii yesterday, on t!iq body of Mr Frank Dunklcy, supervisor for tile Public Works Depart men I, who Avas drmvned in (lie (loud water.

The deceased, ('<-<)rdiri” - to Mr M’Cready, had received telegrams reporting slips,, and said, lie would S<). Mr M’Cready said lie would accompany deceased. They met, aniong others, Robert M’Cready, son of Mir M’Cready, who railed attention to the water on the road. Robert, who was riding a bis horse, changed with witness, and took the load. Witness was next deceased. All went well until four chains from a junction, where there is a dip in the mad. Robert’s horse began to swim, ynd he called out. The horse swain-about three lengths, and then touched bottom.' Looking back, Robert saw his father safe,'hut deceased was in difficulties, the horse plunging wildly. Robert took his coat and vest off, and jumped on the big horse ridden by witness, and went back to help deceased. He readied him just as deceased’s horse got (dear. Tie caught deceased by the collar of the coat, and deceased caught (he horse’s mane. Robert pulled the deceased behind hitu on to the saddle, when the horse which was swimming all the time, gave a great plunge, and threw them both off. Robert let the horse go, so as to help deceased. Both men went, doWn, and coming to the surface Robert got deceased on his hack, and started to swim. He was making little headway, since deceased was Cully clothed, and was also wearing an oilskin, while, Robert’s own clollies were heavy. Deceased said; “I am nearly done, Boh." Deceased then let go, and sank-, never to rise. A moment later Robert got on to a barbwire fence, and waited to see deceifsed rise. As he did not rise, Robert dived, but could not find him. The water was deep and muddy. Robert continued to dive until exhausted, when he swam to a tree about fen yards off, from which he was rescued by a boat in an exhausted condition.

Witness, when his son went to help deceased, also returned into (he water to help. As deceased failed to rise, he rode back for help. 'There must have been a I least 12 to 14 feet of water at the spot. A verdict of drowning was recorded. A rider was added to Ihe effect that great praise was duo to Robert; M’Cready for Ids gallant conduct. Deceased was nearly four years at the front.