SAD FATAL ACCIDENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2016, 6 March 1890, Page 2

SAD FATAL ACCIDENT.

4 LITTLE GIRL DROWNED,

At Hbout half ~-ist five yesterday afternr'.on news wav brought to Temuk-i l,y MrO. J. Newbury, of the ilpworth Woolworks, that a liuh giil named Millie Ackroyd, about 12 years old, a daughter • f Mr J. E. Ackroyi, Waitohi Flat, had been drowned in the Temuka River near the native reserve. It appears that, in company with two or three of her schoolmates I she had proceeded to a part of the river about a hundred yards above the Temuka I traffic bridge for the purpose of bathing ihe river hare is a favorite spot for bathers* but there are several deep pools which would be a source of danger to all but experienced swimmers. Having undressed herself, the poor girl appears to have been standing on a clay bank overhanging one of these pools, when she slipped, and was immediately submerged. When sinking she cried for help, and one of her companions tried to rescue h«r, but also began to sink, and was only saved by a third girl going to her assistance. Being unable to help the deceased, who had sank, the girls promptly made for the Maori Pah, and a number of natives at once proceeded to the spot. On arriving there no signs were visible of the unfortunate child, and a di!i» u qt search was at once msTtuted missing body. Mr Newbaiy, who was posing at the time, drove with all speed to town, and informed the police. Constable Egan proceeded (o the spot find was shortly followed by Constable Morton. Drags were procured, and a number of volunteers stripped and made such efforts as were possible to explore the several pools, but their efforts were unsuccessful for some hours. A boat was got, an l shortly nfirr t-ight o’clock (he body was recovered by means of it a few yards bmow where the girl entered the

river. The water was about 16 feet deep. The body was at once removed to Mr Ackrbyd’a residence. A large concourse of people gathered at the spot, and rendered every assistance in their power, and the deepest sympathy was expressed for the bereaved parents.