DROWNING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 809, 8 February 1910, Page 3

DROWNING FATALITY.

Christchurch, February 6

A drowning fatality occurred at New Brighton this morning, whereby Robert Lee (20 years of age) and Daniel George Lee (17 years of age) lost their lives. It appears that the young men were camping with their mother in Hood street, and, about 7.30 a.m., went down to the beach for a bathe, telling their mother that they would be back for breakfast within an hour. As they did not return within the expiry of that period, the mother became anxious. She consequently proceeded to the beach, and found their clothes and towel, but no sign of her sons. So far as is at present ascertainable, the fatality was not seen by anyone, and it is assumed that one of the young men got into difficulties with the current and undertow, and that the other went to his assistance, with the result that both were drowned.

During the afternoon the beach has been patrolled by numbers of men on horseback, and by the police, but without recovering the bodies. The opinion at New Brighton is that it is unlikely that the bodies will come ashore. It is stated that Mrs Lee, who resides at St. Albans, Is a widow, who was depending on her two sons.

Other reports from New Brighton are to the effect that several bathers in the surf got into difficulties during the day, and chains were formed in order to succour them.