THE ACCIDENT AT PELORUS RIVER.
An inquest was held at the Courthouse, Havelock, on Tuesday evening, before Mr John Allen, Coroner, touching the death of William Main Young, who was then lying dead at Dorreen's Postoffice Hotel. The following jury were sworn: — J. H. Reynolds (foreman), C. B. Yarker, O. B. Jarvis, W. J. Little, Montague Adams, W. H. Smith, T. H. Scott, W. Campbell, E. Jones, Edward Gwillein, B. Nesbit, H. L. Severns and Wm, Price.
William Earp, merchant, of Blenheim, deposed: Deceased was my partner. I was not present at the time of his death. Have seen the deceased, and identify it as that of Wm. Main Young. I was present this day when he was found. Wm. Dorreen and others were present. He was found at the ford, about half a mile above where the bridge is being built, below the fill, in a deep hole about 30 yards distant from the gorge. Dorreen was probing with a pole with a hook attached, and after an hour's, trial succeeded in getting the body. It was caught by the clothes. I had a wire on Sunday, at 7 p.m., that the accident had happened that day at 1 p.m.; he was found about 2.15.p.m. to-day (the 10th.) Saw him last alive on Friday night, the 6th, when he was in good health and spirits. I believe he was on a pleasure trip to the Maungatapu Mountains He informed me he was coming through here.
Arthur Wratt, flax-dresser, residing at Ropaka, Pelorus Valley, sworn: Was with deceased on Sunday on horseback. We started from Hamling's Hotel, Canvas Town, about 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, the 8th instant. Messrs Dorreen and Header were with him. We were going to the Maungatapu Mountain on a pleasure trip. It was not then raining. It had rained heavily the night previous. About seven miles from Hamling's we had to cross the Pelorus river. The bridge in course of erection is not finished. All persons going in that direction have to cross the ford. Had not crossed it previously. The river did not appear dangerous. The water was dirty. There were very large boulders on the bottom, and they were very slimy. Dorreen crossed first and Header econd. They got across. Deceased and myself were following a short distance behind. The water was above the horses' girths. Had heard the river was dangerous. Deceased was riding in front of me. He was about the middle when the horse stuck; he would not go. Deceased struck the horse when the animal plunged. Deaceased then tryed bringing it out on the side he had entered, and when he touched the rein the horse stumbled. Mr Young had hold of the rein, and I told him to stick to it. He held until the horse rose, when deceased appeared afraid of the horse coming on him, and he let go the rein. He drifted on his back over, and I did not see him again. Believe Dorreen and Reader saw the accident, but were too far off to render any assistance. They both got off their horses and went to where he was last seen, Deceased’s horse got out on the side it had entered. I did all I possibly could to assist deceased. He was in good health when he left Hamling’s, and did not make any complaint. The horse stood still in the middle of the river. Deceased did not appear frightened when in the water; he said, "I am in for it.” Deceased had a gun, which I believe was an impediment, and a few rounds of ammunition. He was on his back, and made an effort to strike out. Have no reason to suppose that it was other than a pure accident.
William Dorreen, publican, residing in Havelock, sworn: Was with deceased on Sunday, March 8, at Hamling’s Hotel; had been there all night previously. On Sunday we were going to the Maungatapu Mountain for a pleasure trip. We could not cross the bridge on horseback. Have been across the river about a dozen times. Considered the river at the time safe to cross, and did not think it dangerous. I went first, Mr Reader followed, leading another horse. Deceased was following. Had got across when I saw deceased’s horse plunging about; it wanted to go back to all appearance. When deceased turned it, it appeared not to go. Deceased was under the water momentarily. Wratt told him to stick to the bridle, but be let go. He then floated down the stream feet first. When I saw him fall off his horse, I ran to where the whirlpool is. Deceased did not go over the second fall. He was found about fifty feet from where we last saw him. Got Mr Wratt, who was on the Havelock side of the river, to go to Havelock and report to the police. We went to Coupee’s and got some poles. Took the punt on Monday. The water was much clearer today. I had a hook fastened to the end of a pole. I felt something heavy, and after the second time succeeded in getting the deceased up. The water there was still. He was hooked by the vest. The wound on his face was probably owing to his striking against some hard substance, and appeared bleached. Did not notice any other wound. He was brought from Couper’s to Havelock in a buggy. Did not apprehend any danger at first. Deceased turned the horse’s head round. Had not seen the horse before Mr Young brought him through. Was too far off to render any assistance. Do not consider the ford generally as safe to cross. At a small expense the upper ford could be rendered comparitively safe.
The Coroner commented on the fact of the ford being very dangerous. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict that deceased was “Accidentally drowned," and appended the following rider: — “The Jury would urge on the Government the completion of the bridge as early as possible, and that the proper authorities be requested to open a track to the upper ford." -NZ Times, 14/3/1885.
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