FATALITY IN THE SURF.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 18, 22 January 1915, Page 8

FATALITY IN THE SURF.

BEACH FETE AT GISBORNE. iPsa Pr»m Association. 1 Gisborne, January 21. Herbert Mae Lean, traveller for J. Griffin and Co., of Nelson, was drowned while surf bathing on Waikanae beach this afternoon. A beach fete was in progress, and hundreds of people were about at the time. Efforts at rescue were tmavailing, as MacLean was not seen after he first sank. The body has not yet been recovered. Another commercial, named Gilchrist, who was bathing with MacLean, had a very narrow escape, being rescued at the last gasp. A nasty surf was as the result of a marine disturbance, and several other parties were in trouble, notably the life-saving team while giving a demonstration with their reel.

Another message this morning gives the following account: —Whilst the beach beautifying carnival was in progress yesterday afternoon, a sad fatality occurred. Among the dozens of bathers enjoying the dip were Mr H. McLean, of Nelson, and Mr Gilshrist, two commercial travellers, who were visiting Gisborne. They were caught in the undertow and carried seawards. Huge breakers engulfed Mr McLean, who was not seen again. Mr Gilchrist got in difficulties and .battled desperately for his life, and was assisted ashore by a man named Bishop, being greatly exhausted and witih a nasty gash on his leg. McLean,'aged 33, who was to be married in March next, was a native of Victoria, his parents residing in Melbourne.

Several young ladies got into the undertow and were endangered till rescued.