A drowning accident attended by strangely pathetic circumstances occurred in the vicinity of the Lower King Bridge on Sunday afternoon, the victim being Edward, aged between 8 and 9.
The Albany Advertiser
1912- The Albany Cuddihy family – mother and father, their four children and an adult friend drove out to the mouth of the King River on this Sunday morning, settling down close to the bridge.
After lunch, Edward, the second son, some siblings and friends were fishing from the bridge, with Mrs Cuddihy not far away chatting to a lady friend. Mr Cuddihy and his friend walked into the bush to look at a horse.
Mr Cuddihy and his friend walked into the bush to look at a horse. It wasn’t until he returned about 5pm and they were preparing to go home, that it was noticed that Edward was missing.
They searched the night through for him, and the next morning Mr Ashman drove the 13 kilometres back to town to report the incident.
Two search parties in cars headed to the bridge, and along with a policeman, Constable O’Brien, explored the terrain, only returning to town at 4 o clock the next morning.
A 20-strong mounted party was then organised, along with an indigeneous tracker.
However, they arrived at the scene to the news that the boy’s body was found.
It had been discovering lying face down in 60cm of water about 200 yards below the bridge.
“A nasty wound was on the head and it is surmised that the little fellow fell from the bridge and struck a waling piece, being rendered unconscious.
“The water hereabout is no more than 3ft. deep and unless he had been injured the boy, would not have drowned.
The boy’s father was a local councillor, and the funeral was very well attended.
Sources: Lower King and Bayonet History Association. History of Lower King, https://lowerkingbayonethead.weebly.com/lower-king.html
The Albany Advertiser, Wednesday 1 May 1912, p3, Saturday 4 May 1912, p3.
Western Mail, Saturday 4 May 1912 – Page 30
Way to go Australia 
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