Drowning Tragedies.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10320, 1 February 1927, Page 5

Drowning Tragedies.

LABOR LEADER' S END. DUNEDIN, Jan. 31. Randall George McDonnell. 31, sinie. well-known locally in the Labor movement, was drowned in the Taieri river yesterday while bathing below the West Taieri bridge. Some years ago deceased was president of the Napier branch of the New Zealand Labor Party, and recently acted as secretary of the Otago Labor representation committee. He had also represented Otago on the national executive of the New Zealand Labor Party. He took an active interest in the Otago Shop Assistants’ Union, of which lie was treasurer from 1915 to 1918. and once filled the position of president- of the Amalgamated Society of Shop Assistants. At the last local body elections he contested seats on the Citv Council and Hospital Board. —P.A.' FLOCK HOUSE BOY’S DEATH. A Flock House trainee, William J. Thomas Cox, a. recent arrival from England, was accidentally drowned while bathing yesterday in a forbidden part-of the Rongitikei river Shortly befjrj the tragedy deceased called for help, but was only shamming. A little later real cries of distress were heard, but no sign was seen of Cox. whose body was nor recovered until late last night Oc-c-oasod was an orphan, and had no brothers or sisters. YOUTH SLIPS INTO DEEP HOLE, EKETAHUNA, Jan. 31. Harold ETsmore, 17, residing with his parents at Newman, was drowned in the Makakahi river yesterday afternoon. He was one of a party who went bathing, and while wading slipped off a ledge into a hole 12 feet deep. Deceased could not swim. His father rushed to his assistance, but could not retain a hold owing to the hoy’s struggles. The body was recovered half an hour later, Hut efforts at resuscitation proved fruitless—P.A. TWO MEN DROWNED OFF , BEACH. THRILLING BATTLE WITH - BREAKERS. (Received Jan. 31, 8.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 31. In terrific seas off Ocean Beach at Wov Woy, two men were drowned after clinging for hours to an up_ turned boat. The third man was rescued with a beach lifeline, after a thrilling battle with the breakers.— U.P.A.