DROWNED IN THE WAITARA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 20, 22 January 1913, Page 2

DROWNED IN THE WAITARA.

SKY-LARKING IN A CANOE,

News was received in town yesterday afternoon that a sad drowning fatality had occurred in the Waitara River some miles from Kiore, whereby James Alexander Murtagh, the eleven year-old son of Guard Murtagh, of the Skinner Road ballast train, lost his life.

Very little is known of the particulars of the accident, and the news is somewhat conflicting. It is understood that the lad Murtagh was staying with friends at Purangi, and with another boy, went canoeing on the Waitara River. The boys were skylarking and rocking the canoe, which upset. . ,

Late last night the body had not been recovered, bnt this morning the police learnt from Constable Bieasel, who had been, dispatched to the scene of the accident j .that at 6 a.m. their efforts had been successful. Guard Murtagh), who is a very popular official, had'lately received aitransfer to Hawera,,'whore he will; be head shunter.'Muck will be felt fori him- in his* bereavement/ \ m -

The body will bo conveyed to Guard Murtagh’s residence on the Skinner Road, where an inquest will be held to-morrow.