A SAD BOATING ACCIDENT.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 102, 16 May 1885, Page 7

A SAD BOATING ACCIDENT.

A most melancholy boating accident Occurred at tlie Thames on tli'la day week, whereby no jless than four lives were loBt. It appears that abott noon on \ the day iu question, Messrs W. Rea, sen., W. Rea, jun , A. 8. Oolquhoun, and John James smarted on a duckshooting expedition to the Piako swamps. The party set out from the beach in an open boat during a very severe north-westerly gale, and soon sailed oat of sight. The boat was not seen to capsize, but late iu the afternoon steamers reported having observed wreckage at the mouth of the Thames River, The boat was found on Monday morning in mid-channel bottom upwards. Unceasing efforts have been put forth by many willing hands since the occurrence, to recover the bodies But so far only one body has been found, viz., that of Mr Colquhonn, vr.iich was found on Tuesday lust, nearly a mile distant from where the accident occurred. The greatest sympathy is fell for those thus suddenly bereaved of those so uear and dear to them, and the sad occuirence has cast quite a #lo)in over the Thames. Mr Colquhoun has been head master of the Waiotahi, and latterly of the Taiaru schools, was 26 years of age, and leaves a wife and <<iree children to mcum his loss. Mr Ren, sen., was a miner, and leaves a •wife and six children. Mr Rea, jun., was 17 years of age, and pupil teacher at the Wniotahi School. Mr James was about 45 years of aye, was also a miner, and leaves a wife and four young children.