FATALITY AVERTED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 46, 6 February 1945, Page 5

FATALITY AVERTED

INCIDENT AT WHARF

TWO BOYS EFFECT RESCUE

A singular escape from drownP -ing was witnessed at the wharf 'recently when, a returned: soldier Steven was suddenly ' -taken with cramp when almost ifialfway across the river and 1 was rescued with difficulty in a state of unconsciousness. The soldier together with two local boys, Boysie Ihaia of Matata, and J. Simpson of Paroa, decided to swim from the wharf to one of. the ■launches anchored in mid-stream. .When a little over halfway across. Mokai Avas suddenly seized with ■ cramp. He went right under," came up to . the surface .and was just able to call for help before losing consciousness. Ihaia seized "him and commenced towing him towards the launch.' He succeeded in getting him considerably nearer becoming exhausted when Simpson took over and managed to ; get the drowning man "to the boat . where, the boys lifted him on board* Both were in a very exhausted condition. Artificial respiration was applied until Mr C. Bhiett managed to get za. boat across to bring the three Jback. The soldier was removed to »"t I\ospital where he recovered consciousness some time later. The splendid action of the two boys, in saving the drowning soldier is to be highly commended for had they not had the presence of mind •to effect a rescue tlie river would lhave 'Claimed the toll of yet another •life.