LAMENTABLE DROWNINGLOSS OF LIFE AT PONSONBY. MR F. DUFAUR DROWNED.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 425, 4 December 1889, Page 4

LAMENTABLE DROWNINGLOSS OF LIFE AT PONSONBY. MR F. DUFAUR DROWNED.

This afternoon news reached town of a sad occurrence in the harbour off Home Bay, Ponsonby, by which Mr Fred Dufaur, formerly of Auckland, and late of Gisborne, lost his life by drowning in the gale prevailing to-day. It was at first reported that ifc was Mr Percy Dufaur who had met an untimely end, bub later inquiries proved that this was not the case. Mr Dufaur, who is a widower, aged 44 years, was on a visit to bis brothers, E. T. and Percy Dufaur, from Gisborne. This morning about 11.30 o'clock, the Messrs Dufaur, who reside near Home Bay, Ponsonby, observed that their yacht Maud was evidently drifting from her moorings off Home Bay. The two brothers, Percy and Fred Dufaur, then embarked in the dingy from the beach intending to board the yacht and endeavour to bring her back to her moorings. A very heavy sea was running up the harbour at the time, produced by the strong nor'east gale, and they had some difficulty in keeping the dingy from swamping. At last, just as they were alongside the Maud, a heavy wave came right over the yacht and broke on the dingy, filling and capsizing her, and the two occupants were le t struggling in the water. Mr Percy Dufaur just managed to secure a hold of the yacht and clambered on board in time to save his life. The other brother, unfortunately, although aswimmer, was carried away by the sea, and after a short battling with the waves he was seen to sink. Nothing further was seen of the unfortunate gentleman until a little after noon, when Mr Dufaur's body was washed ashore on the beach. Dr. Dawson and ofhers were afc once on the scene, and for two hours strenuous endeavours were made to restore life, but in vain, as life was extinct. The news of the affair has deeply shocked Mr Dufaur's relatives and acquaintances here. The accident was witnessed by Mr E. Dutaur and Mr J. B. Jackson, who rushed down to the beach. Mr Percy Dnfaur swam about 300 feet and then got on board a boat that was anchored there. The deceased sank after swimming between 50 and 60 yards. The first to put out in a boat to the rescue was Miss Kate Whaugh and a young man named Horton, who is employed at Mr T. T. Masefield's. They went out in a boat, but were driven back again. Horton next went out in company with a man named Lysacht and recovered the body, which waa brought ashore at Cremorne and carried to his late residence.

A judge addressed a prisoner : " You are to be hanged, and I hope it will be a warning to you." Yea ! It i fl certainly true. Ask 'any of your friends who have purchased there, (iarhck and Cranwell have numerous unasked for and very favourable commendations from country customers on their excellent packing of Furniture, Crockery, and Glass, &o. Ladies and gentlemeii about to furnish should remember that Whck and Cran well's is the Cheap Furnishing Warehouse of Auckland. Furnibure to suit all classes ; also Carpets, Floor Cloths and all House Necessaries. If your new house is nearly finished, or you are going to get married, visit Garliok and Cranwell, Queen-street and Lome-street, Auokland. Intending purah*gar*«*n h«v« % Q«t*iaflcue Mat frttu