DOUBLE FATALITY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3578, 21 December 1926, Page 2

DOUBLE FATALITY

TWO BOYS DROWNED A double fatality occurred in the Manawatu River at Palmerston North on Saturday afternoon, when Alee Wilson, aged 11, and Vincent Ronowiez, aged 14, both of Palmerston North, were drowned while bathing. It appears that the two lads went swimming together in a pool frequented by bathers. Although they were not seen by others who were at the spot during the day, a young man named Peitersen noticed their clothes lying on the bank at about 3 p.m., and at 4 p.m. when lie left for home they were still there. In consequence he returned at about 7 p.m. with a companion for the purpose of investigating further, and it was discovered that the clothing was still undisturbed. The police were informed, and the anxious parents made acquainted with the facts, but it was too late to do anything that evening. At 5 o’clock on Sunday morning the police commenced dragging operations, one body being recovered at 9 o’clock and the other shortly afterwards. Both were in a pool at a distance of forty feet from the bank in eight feet of water. An inquest will be opened to-morrow.