LIVES LOST IN FLOOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1917, Page 6

LIVES LOST IN FLOOD.

MAORI WHARE SWEPT AWAY. An inquest was held on Saturday av Aratapu, concerning the death of two Maori children, who were drowned at Kairara on February 3. A pathetic tale was unfolded of the sufferings of,the natives in that locality during the recent flood. Evidence showed that the flood waters rose quickly, and the Maoris had considerable difficulty in escaping'to hi'iU land. The father of the deceased children, Whare P.angi. with his wife, had conveyed two other children to a point of safety, and was returning for the two deceased when a 'pile of logs and debris was onrriod away, releasing a large body of wafer which swept away the house and children. In his efforts to save his ehil-. dren, Whare Rangi sustained a fractured jaw. Verdicts of' accidental deaths by drowning were returned. News was received to-day that the body of Hone Turn, who was drowned at Kaihu on February 3, has been recovered. The deceased met his death whilst attempting Ui ford the stream with Ropeta Haira, who was also drowned. As an inquest was he'd last week in connection with the latter, the coroner decided that further investigation will be necessarv.