NEW ZEALAND NEWS

Taihape Daily Times, 3 January 1919, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

NEW PLYMOUTH ITEMS.

NEW PLYMOUTH, thsi day

Customs revenue for the port of New Plymouth last year reached the record of £54,115, against £48,282 for the previous year.

The vital statistics show 115 deaths in November and December, against 34 the previous year, indicating that about 80 were due to the influenza epidemic. Many, however, were brought from outside the registration districts for treatment at the local hospital.

SAD DROWNING ACCIDENT

YOUNG WOMAN AND A GIRL

LOSE THEIR LIVES.

AUCKLAND. January 2.

A drowning accident occurred at ! Devonport this morning, whereby Alice Murray, a young woman of 23 years, and Anstico Eainbow, a girl of 10, lost their lives, while Alma Eainbow, aged 15 (sister of the latter) was brought- ashore in an unconscious condition, and afterwards restored to consciousness by artificial respiration. They were members of a party of youjig girls and men. who went to bathe off King's Parade, Devonport, about 10 o'clock this morning. After being in the water some time, one of the girls —Alma Eainbow —was noticed shouting for assistance, and her sister also appeared to be in difficulties. A youth named Victor Murray, who had jusf come out of the water, immediately went to the rescue, and. managed to obtain hold of both girls, who were then locked in each other's arms. At this stage, W. J. Parker, of Devonport, who was on the beach, dashed into I the water and assisted in getting the swimmers ashore. First aid was immediately applied. The elder of the Misses Eainbow was restored to consciousness, but all efforts were unavailing in the ease of her sister. While these girls were being attended to, it v was discovered that. Miss Murray was" nrrssing and no one seem-

ed to have noticed her disappearance or to have seen her in difficulties, No trace could be found of her, and it is presumed that, as in the case of the other two girls, she got out of her depth and was swept away by a strong ebbing tide. Seaijch is being conducted for her body£%

SOMES ISLAND BACK TO ITS OLD ROLE ' WELLINGTON, Jan. 2. Somes Island has now reverted to a quarantine station. Military and public works men have been employed clearing up the place after the German prisoners It is understood., there is accommodation (but no equipment or supplies as yet) for some 200 people to be quarantined. The difference in pay between soldiers and civilians, which is greatly to the advantage of the latter for doing the same work of clearing up,, is said to have caused some heartburning on the part of the soldiers. They feel that there should be equal pay for equal work.