Without the slightest warning or oven a rain drop to herald its approach, a terrific thunderclap broke over this office at half past nine o'clock last night. The premises being full of conductible material, the lightning seemed to shoot over the imposing stones and flicker on the steel sticks of the compositors. The telegraph bell also started ringing and altogether the effect was so weird and awe inspiring that it was only by the greatest presence of mind the foreman was able to prevent the whole staff rushing panic stricken into the road. However, after explaining that they would probably meet with a death more common to humanity than being struck by lightning, the staff was persuaded to come out from underneath the frames and resume their positions at the cases. Our reporter, who was busily engaged writing at the time, rushed into the News-room with his face as white as the driven snow.
A letter received by Mr W. Duncan yesterday from Mr Andrew Scott of Gillespie's Beach throws additional light upon the sad death by drowning of young Patrick Carroll in Cook's river. It appears the deceased had come up to Arahura with a mob of sheep and was returning to Mr Scott's run at Cook's. After staying the Saturday night with his mother, he started to cross the river in company with Mr Scott. That gentleman was riding a young horse just backed and in entering the river took the inland side. Finding the young horse breast the stream easily he turned, and was thunderstruck at finding that young Carroll's horse had fallen and that the rider was in the surf. It was impossible to render assistance and in ten minutes the waves cast the body of the unfortunate lad back up on the beach. Mr Scott says great sympathy is felt for Mrs Carroll in her bereavement. The unfortunate lad was a steady, industrious and intelligent young fellow who took as great an interest in Mr Scott's run as the owner himself. -West Coast Times, 5/8/1890.
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