SURF DISASTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1922, Page 3

SURF DISASTER.

TWO BODIES FOUND

INQUEST TO-DAY. (Argus.) The circumstances surrounding the recent bathing fatalities at the Greymouth beach were vividly recalled yesterday in the minds of Greymoutli residents when it: beanie known that the local police bad received a message to the effect that a body bad been found on the Cobdcn beach. It was generally thought, however, that no sign of the victims would materialise until eight or nine days had elapsed. Consequently it was with some surprise that the news was received yesterday as stated above.

The police received, first advice of the discovery at about 12.10, when a telephone message revealed the fact that Mr Tims. Sherlock, a labourer, of Cobden, bad discovered the body of a young mail in bathing costume on the Cobden beach. Immediate steps were taken for the recovery of the body, which turned out to be that of a young man, of about sft Sin in height, and of medium build. The deceased wore a dark grey woollen battling costume, with yellow fa> ill 's. The body was. however, in a m) her advanced stage of decomposition. The no lice transferr'd if to the morgue at Greynioulh. Shortly afterwards, about three p.m., aim* her call came ‘ 1 ’ - I’obce Station to the effect that a second body had been recovered, this message coming from Mr Reeves, the signalman, stationed at the. Tip Head. Mr Reeves i who took, a, prominent part in the rescue efforts) states that he saw several men running.; towards a" object that was floating around in the basin near the North Tip, and from where he was, lie could distinguish the object, as the body of a man. He immediately notified the police. This occurred at about 2.45 p.m. Tlie bodies were both conveyed to the morgue where ail inspection was held with a view of securing correct identification.

Immediately on receipt of tho information the- Police telephoned various relative!) and friends in Roe ft oil. A message from Reef ton last evening stated that Messrs Hart (fatliei of I'll art), Banks one of the rescued bathers), and Hunt (one of the rescuers) will leave Reefton this morning for Greymouth to endeavour to assist the police in the work of identifying the bodies.

An inquest will he held to-day on the recovered bodies, when an examination will lie made. It is probable, however, t it will be adjourned until a future date. The bodies it is understood halost every facial feature that would assist in their identification. It is to he hoped, however, that the four other bodies will now make their appearance sooner :or later, either inside or outside the bar. , *•

TWO ROUTES IDENTIFIED

GREYMOUTH, Feb. 16

The two bodies reovered late yesterday on Cobden beach have been identified as those ol'Harry Evans, of Reefton. and Leslie O’Donnell, of Cronadun. victims of the recent surf tragedy.