Struggle in Surf

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 21, 26 January 1937, Page 7

Struggle in Surf

BISHOP’S DAUGHTER IN HEROIC RESCUE Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. But for the heroic efforts of Miss Alison West-Watson, daughter of the Bishop of Christchurch, and Mr. George Thomas, a Wellington City Council employee, tragedy would have occurred at fitahi Bay on Saturday afternoon, when a boy aged 12 was snatched out into a heavy sea by a strong set. For about three-quarters of an hour the rescuers struggled in high surf and a treacherous current before they and the boy were brought ashore by men in a rowing boat. The boy, who is named Hall and who lives with h.is parents at Lower Hutt, was bathing near the rocks at tho north end of the bay. When he was dragged out of his depth his cries attracted tiie attention of bathers and picnickers. Mr. and Airs. Thomas went in after him, but Airs. Thomas was soon in difficulties and had to return to shore with the help of a rope. Aliss YVest-Watson followed Air. Thomas into the surf, and after they reached the boy the three of them were carried into the bay for about half a mile. Attempts were made to launch a rowing boat from the beach, but the men aboard could not manage the craft in the heavy sea. A lifeline was brought from another part of the beach by car, and four men were this time successful in getting through the breakers with the boat. In the meantime ALiss \Y est-W atson and Air. Thomas were taking turns in keeping the boy’s head above water. After a hard struggle the boat reached tho swimmers, and the boy was taken aboard first, Aliss West-Watson and Air. Thomas following. When the shore was reached the boy was unconscious and Mr. Thomas was very exhausted, but Miss West-Watson had borne the ordeal amazingly well as she had been mainly responsible for preventing loss of life before the arrival of the boat. Aliss \Y est-YVatson was indisposed later in the day, but she has now recovered and will leave for the south this evening with the Bishop. There is a warning bell and a lifeline at Titahi Bay, but no Jite-saver is iu charge, and the bell was rung on Saturday without effect. The boy was not iu a sufficiently serious condition to need hospital treatment. He and his rescuers were given first aid before the arrival of a doctor.