SUPPOSED DROWNING.

Shannon News, 13 May 1924, Page 2

SUPPOSED DROWNING.

NO TRACE OF GEORGE DUNNAGE

Though a thorough search lias been made no trace has been found ui George Dunnage, aged IS, who ;has iKxm missing from Mangahao since April 26. ■ .* - ' The police report shows that Dunnage, accompanied by William Hudson, engineer, was out searching lor the Escotts, who. had been reported missing. At noon on April -20, Hudson and Dunnage met the • Escotts lour miles from the-eaxup and the party then turned towards Mangahao. 'two aiida-lialf hours later, at a point a mile from the camp, a halt was called to iboil the billy, .Dunnage proceeding on alone to advise that the Escotts were sale. The oilier three members continued .their journey hall an hour later and en route a hat was observed lloating in the river but little notice was taken, it being thought that it had floated down irom the camp. Some 300 yards further on, a slasher was found which was identified as Dunnage's. On arrival at Mangahao it was found that Dunnago had not arrived and search parties were organised by Mr Johnston, the eugineor-in-e.harge. The search, however, proved fruitless, and next day the river was in Hood and had continued in that condition lill't'he-3rd hist., preventing dragging operations from being carried out. The following day a boat was secured and the river dragged for a distance of four miles, but without result. At the 'point where the slasher was found there is a deep hole and -whether Dunnage had fallen from the rocks following fire throwing of the slasher to the river beach"' opposite is hidden in mystery. .Below this point is a ford and, although the water is only some two 1 feet six inches to three feet deep, the current is particularly strong and it is : possible that Dunnage, in attempting ifo negotiate the was swept .away. On one occasion one or the searchers lost his footing in such -a manner and was only hauled out with difficulty bv the ard of a nope. ' Despite the great difficiihieis, the police, aided by workers front the camp, are proceeding with the search.