DROWNING FATALITY AT TAURANCA. [BY TELEGRAPH-PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2240, 16 November 1886, Page 2

DROWNING FATALITY AT TAURANCA. [BY TELEGRAPH-PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Tauranga, Monday. A. sad boating fatality occurred yesterday afternoon. Mi R. Rhode", senr., late of the Thames, and his little son, Ernest, were out boating, and when near Stoney Point, heading for Pilot Bay, the boat was capsized. The accident was witnessed by Mrs Best and (Japt. Best, and the pilot and one of his men put out to their assistance, but they were unable to reach them, and Rhodes and his little son met a watery grave. Captain Beat and others subsequently went out in a larger boat, but were unable to find any trace of them. When last seen they were on the edge of the boat, between eddies, in the vicinity of where the Taupo was wrecked. Mr Rhodes was father of the proprietor of the Tauranga Evening News, a very old Auckland colonist, and one of the pioneers of the Thames. He was universally esteemed by all who knew him, and the melancholy affair has cast quite a gloom over the town. Deceased was S(J years of age and his son 11 years. The police and sons of the deceased are out searching for any traces of their bodies. The boat was found this morning, near the spot where last seen.

In an amusing book entitled " London Journalism of To-day," Mr Joseph Hatton gives some queer stories of Labby's early career. As a young man he was in the diplomatic service, and was noted for his lazinesss and impudence to his superiors. At one time being left in charge of the Washington Legation, his chief being absent, Labby had a visitor who, by his fussy, bumptious manner, very much an* noyed the present proprietor of Truth. " I wish to see the Ambassador," said the waitor. "Is it any tt ing important; can I do anything for you ?" said Labby. "You, not you, indeed, young man; I insist upon seeing the Ambassa4or,' v said the visitor in rather a contemptuous manner. " Very well," said the imperturable attache, "sit down, please; his lordship is away just now." The vihitor sat and waited, waited five minutes, ten minutes, » quarter, nay, even half an hour. Then growing impatient and angry he said. " Away is he ; when will he be back ; I'm getting tirad ?" "Oh, you are, are you," said Labouchere ; " well, you'll be a good deal more tired if you wait till Lord comos back, for he's gone to Canada, and won't be back for six weeks," The visitor decided that the attache would do well enough for him. Te Awamutu impounding notice in another column.