A NARROW ESCAPE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1998, 6 February 1907, Page 4

A NARROW ESCAPE.

,'i’llo Wniroa Onimlian of I‘Yiihiy K.ivoa Llio following (lelnils of Lho aociilont recently reported Ij.v telegraph: An ncoident, which Hourly reunited in lho drowning of Air. W. A. Neale, occurred yesterday aftoriiooji on l.ake Waikaronioana. The huineli, loaded with tourists, was rettfWiing from its daily trip round the lake, when a halt was made at Wharemn Point, Straits of Mauaia, to pick up throe boats. Mr. A\ r . A. Neale, of Tapui, and Mr. Harry Bowen, of Hastings, volunteered to lix the tow line, which was too long. mr. Neale was in the last boat, and Mr. Bowen, in going to bis assistance, stepped on fbe nose of the boat ,which dipped considerably and the rope fouling his leg caused him to collide with Mr. Neale. The sudden impact, coupled with the rnto at which the launch, the Kohurangi, was travelling, some nine miles an hour, caused . thorn to he (brown into the lake. The launch was circled round, and Mr. Bo,von, having only his trousers and shirt on, was the first to reach her, although lie is lame front a recent accident at Hastings, and the rope had injured his leg lie quickly seized a, lifebuoy and throw it m the direction of Mr. Neale. Divesting himself of his shirt lie again plunged in uiid swam to liis friend s assistance With heavy boots, puttees and a thick sweater on, Mr. Ncato ‘ : Couhl make little progress, especially as a strong westerly gale was blowing. In addition the in in now attached to his rod stuck in the hack of his sweater, and the lino reeled nfl’, entangling his inovemt its at every stroke. „ , , . An oar fortunately Heated along which enabled him to keep hfloa,. a few in mutes longer. Jint as he was about to sink for the last time Air. Tlowon slipped the buoy over ois bead, and supported him to the sme of the launch, where he was dragged on hoard insensible, hut quickly recovered. _ _ , . This morning Air. Neale had completely recovered from his jmsrdvonturo ’ He gives warm praise to Mr. Rowen, who rendered such plucky assistance, and showed wonderful pow ers of endurance under trying circuinstances, at the risk oi his me. Ho intends to apply to the secretary of the Royal Humane Society for a modal for lmu in recognition ot who feat.