CATASTROPHE AT WANGANUI

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 360, 11 April 1910, Page 5

CATASTROPHE AT WANGANUI

EIGIIT PEOPLK DI!OWX K.l)

TOWN PLUNGED IX. GIUEF

A FISHERMAN TO THE RESCUE.

By Telegraph.—Press Association

Wellington, Last Night

A distressing drowning accident occurred at Csistiecliir about noon to-day, whereby eight lives svere lost, the drowned being members of two hinnlies —Ludlam and Anderson. A number of residents had arranged, a picnic on the South Spit, and a flatbottomed boat was used to ferry the picnickers across. The first trip was safely accomplished, and the boat left again with tea occupants. All went well until the middle of the river was reached, when a strong tide and a swell from the sea made a nasty jsbble. Ail attempt was made to turn back, but when the boat was broadside on, it capsized, all the occupants being precipitated into the water. A fisherman on the South Spit noticed the catastrophe, and put oil to the rescue. He managed to save two boys, and then saw the body of a woman floating. This proved to be Mrs Ludlam, tightly clasping one of her little children. Bot'h were dead. The alarm was then given, but owing to the rough state of the river, dragging could not be carried out. It is expected' that the bodies -.vill be token out to sea and washed ashore along the beach. A large party of police and residents are searching. So far as can be ascertained at present those drowned are:—

Mrs Ludlam, wife of Walter Lwllam, butcher at Castleclill'e, and three children, two being sons', aged eighteen and twenty years. Mrs Anderson, wife of George Anderson, working foreman at the harbour works, and four children. Included in these are Maud and Mary, aged sixteen find eighteen respectively. One Anderson and one Ludlam were saved, v Both families are well known at Castlecliff, and the township lias been plunged in gloom.

Later One body has just been recovered.

LIST OF TI-IE DROWNED.

Wangiinui, Midnight. Those drowned to-dav were: — •

Mrs. Ludlam, aged. 49. Walter Ludlam, aged 20. James Ludlam., aged 18. Claude Ludlam, aged 10. Gladys Ludlam. aged five. Mrs Anderson, aged 48. Maud Anderson,' aged 18. Ernest Anderson, aged three.

| The body recovered was that of Wal j ter Ludlam. A Mrs. Ludlam was clasping Ernest AnI derson to her breast when found.