A NARROW ESCAPE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2390, 4 January 1909, Page 3

A NARROW ESCAPE.

MAORI WOMAN’S 'COURAGEOUS ACTION.

A narrow escape from death by* drowning is reported from Tologa Bay. At about. 9 p.m, on New Year’s Day an old Maori named Pori Kapa, who is over eighty years of age arid very feeble and childish, was making his way across from Hauiti to Tologa. The night was very dark, and he insome manner missed his track, and headed in. the direction of the old ferry. _He shortly arrived, -at the; Uawa river, and not knowing liis whereabouts mistook it for a small creek which he had to cross. Wading in he was soon in difficulties, land got carried further out into tlie middle of the river. Attracted by his loud cries for help, ,a native woman named Poni Hatarika, who lives close by, ran to his assistance-, and seeing his predicament, pluckily swam out to his rescue, and siicceeded in bringing the old man safely ashore. He was at, once conveyed to his home, aKid. soon recovered from the effects of his immersion.

Poni Hatarika, who undoubtedly saved the old man’s life, is the mother of a large family, and only a few days* previously had given birth, to another child. It is understood that a movement is on foot to -have her courageous action rewarded.