PLUCKY ALAN LEONARD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 70, 31 March 1913, Page 7

PLUCKY ALAN LEONARD.

RESCUES A YOUNG LADY FROM DROWNING. il /.it f Auckland, March 26. A .sbmewhat sensational incident occurred on Easter Monday at Weymouth .Beach, which is situated on the Manukail Harbour, about three miles iTom-Manlirewa. The Papakura Anglican Church was holding a picnic ’thei|e, and about noon, when a number of the young people were bathing, Miss Woods (daughter of the vicar) had the misfortune to slip off a ledge of rock into deep water, and was soon seen to be in difficulties. There were between thirty and forty 'people on the bench at the time, but to a lad who had reached the age of' 13, last December is due the . honour of having rescued the young lady, who is about 17 years old. Alan Leonard (son of Mr T. H. Leonard) saw the dangerous plight of Miss Wood, and he at once swam blit to her assistance. Getting hold of her hair, he began to bring her to the shore. Miss Wood, as most, people do when in difficulties in the water,' tried to get hold of the lad, but ho having been taught lifesaving, had the good sense to keep her head under water, and thus managed to reach the shore Safely, where ready assistance was waiting to mitigate any dangers from the sudden immersion. The Rev.. Mr, Woods wanted to make a-presentation to the lad for saving his, (laughter, but this was courteously declined by Mr Leonard,' T wlio said that'his son required no reward for simply doing what was the duty of ePery one—namely, to rescue another when in ylanger.