Lost Overboard in Cook Strait

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 308, 30 December 1939, Page 8

Lost Overboard in Cook Strait

MR. J. S. McLEOD’S DEATH Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 29. Lost overboard from the interisland steamer Wahine last night, James Sterling McLeod, of Market street, Hastings, disappeared In the darkness and could not be found after a long search. Mr McLeod, who wag president of the New Zealand Racing Conference and owner of the galloper Yours Truly which won the last New Zealand Cup at Riccarton, was seen to fall from the steamer in Cook Strait. The vessel was travelling from Wellington to Lyttelton. A search lasting 80 minutes w-as made by the ship and lifeboat crew, but the body was not recovered. Two lifebuoys were immediately released from the bridge and the emergency lifeboat was quickly lowered Into the heavy sw-ell that was running. The Wahine, which was under the command of Captain Whitefleld, put about and the search w-as continued until 10.5 p.m., when the Wahine continued her passage to Lyttelton. Mr McLeod is reported to have been suffering from ill-health and was proceeding to Hanmer Springs for a rest cure. He occupied a deck cabin and was accompanied by Mr Arthur Hay, of Eketahuna. Mr McLeod left the cabin and was followed by Mr Hay, who found him leaning over the ship’s rail. Mr Hay rushed to him and got hold of one of his legs, but Mr McLeod was a heavy man and Mr Hay could not retain his hold.