Another sad drowning at Horeke

Another sad drowning at Horeke, this one is next to a tree at Mangungu Cemetery belonging to William Robinson. The NZ Herald from 20th June 1881 says:

"A sad accident whereby a very old settler, named William Robinson drowned here last week. It appears that he and some other men (named Whitaker - his son in law) and Cook had been out up to midnight in the boat on the Mangamuka River during a very heavy rain preventing the logs of Kauri from jamming in the various small creeks, and after completing their work were returning down the river to Kohukohu. Whitaker and Cook were pulling the boat and the deceased was steering when opposite the mouth of the Taipa Creek he stood up and appearing as it stepping forward to relieve one of the pullers when the current catching the boat jerked around and Robinson fell overboard. 

It was very dark at the time and his companions could see nothing of him, he himself could not swim. The accident was immediately reported and a number of persons both European and Maori commenced searching for the body but it was not until the rain had subsided that the body was found. An inquest was held at Kohukohu by Mr Von Sturmer, coroner and a respectable jury of which Mr A.C. Yarborough was foreman. After hearing the the available evidence a verdict was returned of 'Accidental Drowning'.

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