A NARROW ESCAPE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1456, 17 May 1905, Page 3

A NARROW ESCAPE.

AND GALLANT RESCUE.

A brave, rescue from drowning was made yesterday afternoon in the Taruberu river near the Peel street bridge. About half-past four a number of boys were fishing under the bridge.when one of them, a son of Mr W. S. Lunn, secretary of the Gisborne Gas Company, lost his balance and tumbled into the river. Mrs Ledger, who happened to be passing, raised the alarm. Mr Hugh Kelly, the well-known footballer, was riding to the bridge at the time; he quickly dismounted, and from the bridge parapet plunged in to the boy’s assistance. The tide was running out strongly, and weighted with his clothes Kelly found he could make but alow progress against the strong current. He called out to those on tha shore to procure vs a boat, whiob Mr W. Hay and another v ' gentleman did as soon as possible. Meanwhile Kelly brought the lad within a short distance of the shore, when it was seen that bis strength was exhausted, and both must have soon sunk had not Mr Alfred Gillie, of Whataupoko, come to tbeir rescue. Divesting himself of most of his olothing, he pluoged in, and then valued assistance was given by Mr Newton. Mr Wildish had run down from his shop, and going into the water up to bis waist gave a helping hand. Kelly quickly recovered from the effects of the struggle. The boy was carried iD an unconscious condition to Dr Schumacher’s private hospital, where he w-is promptly attended to, and was soon out of danger. Mr Kelly's plucky action was undoubtedly the means of saving the boy’s iife, and deserves the warmest praise. The grateful patents offer their thanks to Mr Kelly and others who assisted.