THRILLING TRIP

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1932, Page 6

THRILLING TRIP

LIGHTHOUSE TO MAINLAND. BOAT CAPSIZED ON BEACH. WHANGAREI, September 15. A thrilling account of a perilous episoue is supplied by a member of the party last week-end to make repairs to the Cape Maria van Diemen lighthouse under the supervision of Mr McLachlan, Public Works Building Inspector. When Mr McLachlan, with two workmen, one of the lighthouse keepers and the latter’s assistant essayed the passage to the mainland across a treacherous passage, their 14-foo)t surf boat was caught by ai tremendous comber and capsized near the beach. One member of 'the. party, Mr Hewitt, was enable to swim, and his safety was further jeopardised through his foot being caught in a rowlock. The desperate efforts of the others toi rescue Mr Hewitt and save themselves seemed likely to end tragically when another big breaker providentally swept them all ashore. The struggles of the victims in the surging waters were anxiously watched by a third keeper and the ‘three women in the lighthouse. The women eventually sent over food and other supplies to. the who were forced tu spend the nigh't on the beach. Except for a broken rib sustained by Mr Hewitt, and several bruises by the ■others, no untoward result occurred from the adventure.

Next morning, in response to a telephone call from the lighthouse, th-'v. horses, were despatched from the Tepaki Station and by this means the party achieved the difficult twentymile trek to the. station, arriving late at night. It was then discovered that one member who lagged behind was missing, having lost his way. A search' was promptly instituted, but it was not till 2.30 a.m. that the missing man was located. It is reported that the party is still isolated at Tepaki.