BATHING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3752, 9 February 1928, Page 3

BATHING FATALITY.

TWO LIVES LOST.

Taumarunui, Last Night,

An inquest was held at Kaitieke to-day concerning the deaths of Archibald John Morgan, aged 23, residing with his parents at Kaitieke and Donald Anderson, aged 16, farm hand, whose parents reside at Raurimu. The Coroner, Mr. A. S. Laird, returned a verdict of accidental drowning in the Retaruke river.

Elizabeth Moodie Morgan gave evidence that Anderson (who was unable to swim) got into difficulties and her son went to his assistance. Anderson grappled with him and both sank. 'She swam out to try and get them, but was unable to do so, and went for assistance. The bodies were located some twenty minutes later in twelve feet of water by a young, man, Allan Gray who dived for them, but was unable to lift them. Eventually the bodies were recovered by means of entangling a pole in the costumes worn by deceased.

A distressing fatality occurred in the Retaruke river at Kaitieke on Tuesday afternoon about two o’clock. A young man named Donald Anderson was bathing in the river when he got out of his depth and was soon in difficulties. Another young man, Jack Morgan, went to help him, and the latter’s mother went away to get assistance. When she returned with assistance there was no sign of her son or the young man, Donald Anderson. The bodies were recovered 20 minutes later, but artificial respiration for a lengthy period was unsuccessful.