A SAD ACCIDENT. Captain of the English Footballers Drowned.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 293, 25 August 1888, Page 3

A SAD ACCIDENT. Captain of the English Footballers Drowned.

A terrible accident, resulting in the death by drowning of the captain of the British football team, took place in the Hunter River at Maitland. It appeals irom the information which can be gleaned of the occurrence that Mr R. L. fcjeddon went to the Maitland Rowing Club baths, and, ha\ mg procured an outrigger, entered her for a pull. It was at once apparent to tho&e who witnessed his efiorts that he was not accustomed to this style of ciaft ; and he shortly atterwards was upset and almost immediately sank. Efloits ueie at once made to recover his body, but some twenty-live minutes elapsed before he was taken out of the water. Medical aid was at hand : and every possible means was resotted to for nearly an hour to bring him round, but without avail. The deceased was a fine young man, about 28 years of age ; and his sad death has cast quite a gloom over the town of Maitland. At the inquest evidence adduced went to show that the deceased stated that he was weil acquainted with that style of boat, but had not been in one for two years. He shortly atterwards was upset, and, although he was stated to be a good swimmer, he was diownod, after shimming only a few stiokes. It i& presumed that he was attacked with cramp.