BOATING MISHAP

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1920, Page 4

BOATING MISHAP

A LUCKY ESCAPE. (Grey River Argus). A boating accident, which fortunately was not attended with serious results, occurred yesterday morning near Paroa. It appears that two young men, named Neil Weenink and Joseph James of Paroa, decided to have a cruise on the briny in a “flatty.” They started off from a creek near Paroa and proceeded to sea for a distance of about half a mile. All went well for a time, but afterwards one of the “white combers” struck the small craft and swamped it. The two young men were thrown out and the paddles were swept away. Keeping their presence of mind and utilising their knowledge of swimming they succeeded in reaching the water-logged “flatty” and held on to its side. Their cries for help attracted the attention of Mr Bert Foss, who happened to-be on the beach gathering wood and this gentleman lost no time in seeking aid. He first informed some nearby residents of the accident and a messenger was sent to' town for the police. In the meantime Fass requisitioned his horse, Pay Day, and mounting the steed swam out towards the scene' of the accident. He had not gone far when a breaker swept him off his mount, but lie managed to retain a grip of the horse’s mane and in this manner reached the late boat. Changing his hold from the mane to the tail he turned the horse shoreward, and with flic other held on to the boat. By this novel and effective method of rescue the three men and the boat were towed ashore by the horse, none of the party any the worso for their dipping. Mr Fass is deserving of the highest commendaton for his forethought and .pluck in affecting the rescue, and had he not been on the beach at the timo the accident would probably have ended in a tragedy.