YOUNG MAN DROWNED.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 157, 30 December 1913, Page 2

YOUNG MAN DROWNED.

In The Waikato River. A Tuakau Flax-cutter. A drowning fatality occurred in the Waikato river on Christmas Day. A young man named John Hoad, who was employed as a tlax-cut'.er by Messrs Lap wood Bros., accompanied by a feilow-emplovec namtd J. uilbertson, left the camp, which was situated near the Elbow, in the afterroon to go out on the river in a dinghy. They hoisted a sail and when they got into the stream Hoad sat on the side of the boat. This was largely responsible lor the capsizing of the boat and both occuDants were thrown into the watar. The river at this place is deep and there is a strong current running. ' Gilbertso.i struck ouc for the shore, which he managed to reach. He states that he saw Hoad near the willows ard called out to him to i catch hold of them. Just as he I called out Hoad threw up his hands ! and disappeared. Another man named Ireland, who ' was in the camp, heard the cries and ran to the river bank, where he met Gilbertson as he was coming through the willows. Ireland ran along tne bank out saw no trace of Hoad, Constable Moore was informed of the occurrence, and accompanied by Mr Lapwood and other civilians proceeded to drag the river. So far, however, the body has not been recovered, and considering the depth of the river «nd the current it is thought improbable that the dragging operatiors will be successful. Deceased wa? about 20 years of age, and it in believed his parents reside it! Auckland.