BOATING DISASTER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2508, 7 August 1888, Page 2

BOATING DISASTER.

TWO LIVES LOST. A BOATING accident occurred t>n Saturday evening at a place called Kawerua, between Hokianga Heads and Monganui BlulF, at which spot there is a store, kept by Mr Wyatt. Mr Wyatt and three natives were capsized in very rough water. After clinging to tho boat some time Mr Wyatt and a native named To Marenga were washed off and drowned. The other two clung to the boat for several hour*, and eventually were washed ashore in a- very battered state. On hearing of the accident the Native Minister arranged for the s.s. llowena to proceed from the Manakau to search fur the two drifting men. [by tblkguaph,—own correspondent.] Auckland, Monday. Re the boat accident by which Wyatt, storekeeper near Hokianga and a Maori were drowned, Constable Ward telegraphed to Inspector Broham as follows :—" It was heartrending seeing the brave men parish and be utterly powerless to save them, a few rocket tubes would have saved them all. Wyatt was evidently struck with the boat in one of her many turns over. The people on shore could almost touch them sometimes but the back rush would carry them chains away again.'' Constable Ward has been searching tho coast since yesterday morning. He described Wyatt's body as beins .sadly bruised, and also states that Tairawhi made a most gallant struggle for not only his own life, but also for that of Tihi Hurimoa.