City Auctioneer Drowned at Tokaanu

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 269, 3 February 1928, Page 1

City Auctioneer Drowned at Tokaanu

SON’S EFFORT AT RESCUE MR. GEORGE WALKER’S DEATH (From Our Own Correspondent! ROTORUA, To-day. Stepping suddenly into deep water at the Tongariro River delta. Mr. George Walker, well-known Auckland auctioneer, was drowned yesterdayafternoon in sight of his 14-year-old son, who made t. gallant attempt at rescue. While Mr. Walter was struggling to free himself of his coat and waterfilled waders, his son Justin, a King's College boy, swam out to him. His father, realising ihat two lives would be in jeopardy, ordered the lad ashore. Justin reached the bank in an exhausted condition and searched for a long pole. When he found one his father had disappeared. The body has been recovered. A fishing party consisting of Mr. Walker, his son and Mr. Brackebush. of Rotorua, went to the river mouth known as the Hook yesterday morning. At about 1 o'clock, Justin saw his father get into deep water. He was soon in difliculties with the current, and the weight of his clothes and waders. Hearing the shout for help Mr. Brackebush, who was some distance away, ran to the spot and took off his waders, but by that time Mr. Walker had disappeared. WELL-KNOWN AUCKLANDER The trip to Rotorua was taken by Mr. Walker not for the fishing but to play in the Rotorua bowling tourney, which begins on Monday. Mrs. Walker left Rotorua for Taupo immediately she heard of the accidenL The late Mr. Walker was born at Devonport 47 years ago, and he was educated at the Auckland Grammar School. Twenty years ago he began building up his auctioneering business in Queen Street. A trip to England and a term of service as a N.C.O. in the Boer War were the only occasions on w-hich Mr. Walker was not living in the city. Formerly a keen yachtsman and owner of the Lady Wilmot, Mr. Walker was latterly a member of the Remuera Bowling Club and of the Middlemore Golf Club. He was also a prominent Mason. Mrs. Walker has two children. Justin, and Peggy aged eight years. Three sisters of the late Mr. Walker reside in Auckland. Mrs. G. C. Gorrie, of Ridings Road, Remuera. Mrs. Victor Richards, of St. Stephen’s Avenue, Parnell, and Mrs. Edward Turner, of Kohara Street, Remuera. Mr. Walker's mother resides with Mr. and Mrs. Gorrie.