FATAL FALL

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12604, 15 November 1926, Page 6

FATAL FALL

TRAGEDY ON WHARF DOZE THAT ENDED IN DEATH PLUCKY SEAMAN PLUNGES TO RESCUE At about 3.30 p.m. yesterday, an old man, named Thomas Tracey, agea about 60, was peacefully dossing while sitting on a stringer near the stem of the s.s. Kurow, which is moored at wharf number 10, opposite the Town Hall. Little did passers-by think that the old man resting in the bright sunshine was enjoying his last minutes on this earth. Suddenly he lost his balance, and fell into the harbour. On. perceiving what had happened William Kingston, a seaman, jumped, fully clothed, into the water where he soon reached the drowning man. Kingston pulled Tracey up on to the wharf, and he was taken into the Star Boating Club. Members of the fire brigade applied artificial respiration, but without avail, Dr. Richardson was summoned, but could only pronounce life to be extinct. Tracey, who was in the water for about 10 minutes, had been living at the Solvation Army Workmen's Home, in Buckle street, for the past week. He was there on orders from Mr T. P. Mills, probation officer and Major Green, of the Social Welfare branch. It is understood that the shock of falling into the water was the main cause of his death. An inquest will be held.