BATHING FATALITIES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1929, Page 1

BATHING FATALITIES

TWO YOUTHS DROWNED AT ! WESTPORT. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WESTPORT. Jan. 1(5. ; Two bathing fatnlii ius occurred at s Westport this al’tc:moon. I The- first victim was a youth named > Vivian Clark, aged 18, an appreiilre > ofF the Trewidden at present in \\ est- • port. It appears that Clark went tor a 1 swim with a companion in the floating: basin and suddenly disappeared. A number of people on. the whari dived into the water endeavouring to ofleefc a rescue but without success. Eventually the body was recovered by means of a hook which caught ,n the bathing trunks of deceased. The unfortunate youth was a native ot England. An iiupiest was held at the Police Station to-night, a verdict ol accidental drowning being returned. The second tragedy occurred this afternoon at Ivaramea, the victim lining a Westnort youth, Charles Hodgson. nineteen years of age. Along witdi a Karauieu yen;tb named Simpsou, lie went bathing in the Karaiuea I{iver in the vicinity ot Quinlan's bridge. Hodgson, however, was not a swimmer, and this led to his death. Simpson swam across the stream, anti on 'looking round, he saw that Hodgson was in trouble, so he set out lo help him. The current meanwhile, carried Hodgson downstream, and tiefore Simpson could reach him. lie 'disappeared. Dragging operations were then carried out and after about an hour and a half, the body was recovered about a chain below the phuo where Hodgson disappeared. The body was taken to Simpson’s Hotel, where an incpiost will be held to-morrow. 'I he deceased was well known in Westport, where genera! regret is felt at his tragic end. Simpson itlso had a narrow escape, a roadman named Senior bringing him out in an exhausted condition.