"A distressing fatality occurred during manoeuvres in the Oropi district yesterday, when a Maori soldier jumped into the Waimapu River and struck an object, receiving injuries from which he died immediately. The victim was Thomas August, aged 24, a single man, of Omaio, Bay of Plenty. The company which was engaged in the operations numbered about 75 men. The fatality occurred at about 1.45 p.m. when the men stripped and made boats out of their equipment and clothing for the purpose of crossing the river. All dived in with the exception of two men who could not swim, they crossed by boat. When the party reached the other side it was reported that August was missing. His comrades lost no time in making search and his body was eventually recovered from the river. There was a bruise on the left chest and on the side of each eye. Artificial respiration was immediately applied but without success. Dr J. L. Frazerhurst made with all speed to the scene of the tragedy but by the time he had arrived the soldier was dead. An inquest was held last evening, the coroner (Mr C. T. McFarlane) returning the finding that August met his death by accidentally striking an object in the water and receiving severe blows over the heart and on the head." [Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13765, 7 October 1942, Page 2]