Agnes Howat, (1876-13/12/1883). "an open drain"

The West Coast Times of the 20th says: — "A fatal accident occurred yesterday afternoon, which resulted in the drowning of a little girl named Agnes Howat, aged seven years, daughter of Mr James Howat. The child accidentally fell into an open drain while endeavoring to save her hat, or that of a playmate, a girl named McGregor. As soon as Mr Howat heard of the accident, he hurried to the spot to rescue his child, and ultimately succeeded in extricating the body, which he found fixed inside the culvert, a short distance from where it empties into the river.  -Grey River Argus, 21/12/1883.

An inquest was held at the Bridge Hotel yesterday afternoon before Dr Giles, Coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr W. Allen was chosen foreman, on the body of Agnes Howat, a child of Mr James Howat. The verdict was "accidentally drowned," the jury adding a rider, to the effect that the accident might have been prevented had the Borough Council placed a grating at the upper end of the drain in Rolleston street.   -West Coast Times, 21/12/1883.

Hokitika Cemetery.