RECENT BATHING FATALITY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2521, 21 December 1922, Page 2

RECENT BATHING FATALITY

STATEMENT BY DECEASED’S COMPANION.

In reference to the bathing fatality at the local seaside last Sunday in which a young man named Ronald William Kilpatrick lost his life, his companion, who accompanied him, supplies the following details to the Standard. Recounting the occurrences of the previous day—Saturday—Brace said that he and deceased had agreed to play tennis during tlie afternoon at the North Street (Palmerston) Club, but Kilpatrick complained of a bad headache, and declared that he could not play. Brace suggested a swim in the baths, but for the same reason deceased declined to accompany him and the former went alone. Later in the Saturday afternoon they played tennis together, and that evening went to Fox ton for the weJk-end. Deceased had little >leep that night, still feeling unwell, and at 3.30 on Sunday morning they went out shooting rabbits. later did some work and about 0 a.m. went on tlie river in a keel boat, intending to swim. At the outset Brace was rowing, and Kilpatrick followed swimming close behind until, when nearly out of his depth, the latter, at Brace’s suggestion, changed places. Brace swam about for some time, deceased rowing, and' apparently enjoying the fun. Both lads then got into the boat and rested a while, after which deceased announced his intention to again enter the v water. Brace warned him not-to get 100 far away, as he knew deceased was not a strong swimmer, and was, in fact, only learning the over-arm stroke. The boat was then in about Bft of water, about midway between the jetiy and the Heads. Brace decided to swim with deceased and turned his back to him while he lowered the anchor and fixed the rope attached to it. This done he turned round and saw his friend about five yards away, with his right hand to the top of his head. This was the only part, of deceased’s body that was visible, and he sank almost at once. He made no outcry at all, and Brace at first thought he was only playing. He called to deceased, but got no answer, and dived for him, but failed in the effort, pie .repeated this several times, but the water was very dirly, and when he found that it was hopeless 'To - try and find the body he rowed ashore for his brother. On returning to the scene Brace’s brother continued the search, but without avail. %

At the time of the occurrence the tide was about full and there was little or no current. Brace described deceased as a very strong boy, hut the fact that he made no call for assistance, and had for some days been complaining of sever headaches, led him to believe that the unfortunate lad had been the victim of a sudden seizure which had quickly rendered him helpless.

BODY RECOVERED. ALONG SOUTH OCEAN BEACH. Constables Owen and O’Donoghue left at daybreak this morning to search the south ocean beach for the recovery of the body of the unfortunate young man Kilpatrick. They were successful in discovering the body about four miles from the mouth of the river. They improvised a stretcher and carried the body to the river and had it conveyed to Foxton. They encountered a heavy rain storm which added to the difficulties of their task. An inquest will be held to-morrow afternoon at 2 o’clock. The remains will be conveyed to Palmerston for interment.