SAVED FROM DROWNING.

Kaikoura Star, 30 December 1903, Page 4

SAVED FROM DROWNING.

On Thursday last a number of horses were being swum in the sea opposite the Club Hotel, when Air H. Collyns, who went in with Simon R., got into difficulties. Air R. Logan, who had been in the water for about half-an-hour, swam out to the rescue, but was struck by Simon R. and had to return, being in an exhausted state when he at last struggled ashore. It was evident that Mr Collyns was in a very serious predicament, as he sank twice, and having onlyone arm greatly handicapped him. The spectators, numbering about fifty, appeared to become paralysed, no one seeming to know what to do. All at once Mr J. C. AlcLauchlan came on the scene. “ Can you swim, Rex ?” asked an excited spectator. “ I’ll have a try at him,” calmly replied the stalwart athlete. His clothes were almost torn off him as he proceeded to undress, and the rescuer’s splagbas he rushed into the water wa s the signal for cheers. Quickly hP reached the drowning man. .r hasty survey, and then Mr CoV lyns was seized by the hair, ami the rescuer had his quest in tow and was making good lieadway towards shore when Air Logan (whc had partly recovered) lent a hand! Amid cheers for “ Rex,” an that, earlier, contained all the ele- • ments of a tragedy, was, by his agency, averted. He richly merits recognition of his action. But for, his promptness, we have no doubts a life would have been lost. Ha went about the rescue withoutan moment’s hesitation. Air Lug of also deserves some recognition his attempted rescue.