A NARROW ESCAPE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1093, 7 September 1912, Page 3

A NARROW ESCAPE.

AND A PLUCKY RESCUE.

A narrow escape from drowning, and a plucky rescue, happened at the wharf at about 8 o’clock this morning. Henry Berthold, aged 14 years, was netting whitebait from the deck of the river steamer Speedwell, when he overbalanced and fell overboard. The water in the locality is about fifteen teet deep. The unfortunate lad, who could not swim, was soon in difficulties, and were it not for the plucky action of a companion, a lad named V. Edwards, son of Mr R, Edwards, of Palmerston N., Berthold may have been drowned. Edwards, who is an excellent swimmer, did not wait to divest himself of his clothes, but dived in after the drowning lad and brought him to the surface, and finally to the shore, without assistance. Both lads who, by the way, are Palmerston High School boys, were none the worse for their ducking. Berthold, at the time of the accident, was using Edwards’ net, which floated down stream. After Edwards had rescued his mate he swam out and secured the floating net.

We hope the Rector of the High School will take the necessary steps to see that Edwards’ plucky rescue is suitably recognised. The accident was witnessed by one or two persons from the wharf.