THRILLING STORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1920, Page 9

THRILLING STORY.

INCIDENT OP RECENT FLOODS. ATTEMPT TO RESCUE" A DROWNING MAN. Another thrilling flood story was told 011 Thursday at the inquest on the body of William Read, who was drowned in the Puniu River, near Te Awamutu, on Tuesday. Sensational evidence was given by his partner, Feist, and his assistant, Halilmrton, It was stated that Read, who was on horseback, attempted to ford a deep backwash to get to an island where there were rabbits. Feist warned him, hut deceased only laughed and rode into the water. Suddenly his horse Went down, precipitating Read into twenty feet of water. Haliburton stripped off to go to his rescue, but Read said, "I'm all right," Halilmrton was going inshore when Read called: "Ralph, help me." Haliburton swum back through icy water and managed to get hold of Read. He commenced to swim back, carrying Read, and had inmost reached the shore, when internal cramp overtook him. Calling to Feist, who was on the bank, lie made a great effort to retain his hold of Rea.l, who was lying a dead-weight in his arms. His cramp increased, however, and Feist plunged into the water, and after difficulty succeeded in dragging Haliburton to the shore, though the latter was still holding Read. When the bank was reached Feist caught hold of a shrub and made to pull himself on to the shore. The .shrub broke, and all tliree were carried out into swirling water. Read was lost and sank. With great difficulty, owing to the, terrible cold water, the other two exhausted men reached the bank. Read could not be found. Haliburton and Feist, despite the intense cold, swam about, but could not find the body. The I>ody was recovered next day. Read was weli known as a gentleman rider at Pahiatua.