PAHIATUA RESIDENT DROWNED SURFING AT FOXTON BEACH.

Shannon News, 21 January 1929, Page 2

PAHIATUA RESIDENT DROWNED SURFING AT FOXTON BEACH.

TRAGIC SUNDAY HAPPENING. RESCUER ESCAPES BY NARROW MARGIN. PLUCKY ACTION BY GIRLS. Shortly after one o’clock yesterday afternoon, Mr Richard Thomas Polgla.se, aged about 50, an old and respected resident of Pahiatua, was drowned while surf-bathing at Foxton beach. Mr William Teasdale, of Palmerston North, an employee of Watson Bros., who went to deceased’s assistance, was rescued from the surf apparently drowned and now lies in a private" hospital recovering from shock. BATHERS IN TROUBLE. The story of the tragedy as gathered from various eye-witnesses and pieced together, shows that immediately after lunching, Mr Polglase entered the water. A party of girls who were enjoying the smaller breakers of the incoming tide, on hearing cries, perceived three men in difficulties some distance further out. They immediately gave the' alarm and Mr Teasdale, who is a strong swimmer, made for those in trouble, but was carried beyond them. GIRLS ATTEMPT RESCUE. With commendable presence of mind, eight girls formed a human chain, which, however, proved of no avail, as those furthest out could not keep their feet.

The actions of the girls had by this time arounsed the interest of those on the beach and Mr W. Nicholson, of 44 Featherston Street, Palmerston North, was quick to perceive that the situation was pregnant with danger. He rushed into the surf but realising the fool-hardiness of attempting to do anything single-handed and without a line, he returned to shore to procure a rope. LIFE LINE PROCURED.,

'So well concealed and far from the water’s edge was the life-saving reel that a makeshift line had to be constructed from odd pieces of rope gathered from various motor cars han'dy to the scene. By good fortune, earlier in the day,-Mrs 11. J. Woodfield", of Palmerston North, had looked in- the shed where the reel is stored, and seeing tragedy abroad, slfe mentioned it to Mis 3 N. Rosanoski, _ of Palmerston North, who lost no time in obtaining the life saving belt with a length of manilla attached. Mr Nicholson donned the belt and accompanied by Mr Angus Campbell, of Palmerston North, and a boy, proceeded to the rescue.

Two of tlios i in danger, within ten minutes of the alarm being given, had by helpful w r aves and strenuous exertions, extricated themselves from their peril and reached the shore in an exhausted condition. THE RESCUE.

Meanwhile, other helpers, stirred from the momentary inactivity caused by the first realisation of serious danger, manned the line. Mr L. 11. Collinson, of Palmerston North,- fully dressed,'was in. the water up to hi 3 armpits. The line was run out between 75 and. 100 yards. Here the rescuers found 'Mr Polglase floating head downwards with his body flexed. The unfortunate man was soon ashore, and the leads of the team turned back to assist Mr Teasdale, who. a little earlier had been conserving his strength by treading 'water. He, however,' was no longer to be seen. The life-savers spread out to comb the locality and w r ere rewarded by finding him unconscious, and all but submerged. Within 20 minutes of the call for aid, both were ashore.

MR TEASDALE BROUGHT ROUND.

Luckily there -were present bathers with a knowledge of first-aid and how to restore respiration. "For an hour and a-half they worked with both cases, and Mr Teasdale at last showed signs of life. Dr. E. M. Wyllie, of Foxton, who had been summoned to the scene, on his arrival examined both men. He pronounced that Mr Polglase was beyond all assistance and that Mr Teasdale’s condition was parlous. After attention by the doctor and a visiting medico, it was decided to send Mr Teasdale into a Palmerston North private hospital, where he regained consciousness late in the afternoon.

Inquiries made'last evening brought the information, that he was progressing favourably, though suffering the effects of shock.

The late Mr Polglase .had carried on business in Pahiatua for a number of years as a tailor. His interests were by no means confined to his trade; all sports, particularly football, found in. him a keen and willing supporter. The deceased, who was twice married, is survived by a wife and young daughter, who were on the beach when the tragedy occurred. Mr Teasdale, apart from his calling, is well known in musical circles, being a member of the De Luxe Theatre orchestra, of Palmerston.