A SEASIDE FATALITY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 228, 9 January 1911, Page 5

A SEASIDE FATALITY

YOUNC MAX DROWNED AT WEST END. A sad drowning accident occurred opposite the West End beacli yesterday morning, whereby a young man named Alfred Henry Pratt, an insurance agent, aged about thirty years, lost his life, it appears that in company with a companion, Albert Howell, he went in for a swim, and after the latter had come out of the water he noticed that Pratt was floating in the breakers. His suspicions were aroused, owing to the fact that his mate remained in the same position for some time, and he went out to him and found him floating face downwards. On bringing him out, eil'orts at resuscitation were commenced, and Dr. Reid was, Bent for, but after two or three hours at Artificial respiration all hope was abandoned. Deceased, Wtyj arrived in the Dominion) about twelve mirths ago, is said to have been a navy ma» for four or five years, and the only relatives known here are Mr. Evett, of New Plymouth, and Mrs. Bishop, of Egmottt road, uncle and aunt respectively. He lodged with the former, but on Saturday night he stayed with comrades at otf«sj>f the camps on the beach. He was a f well J built young man, of cheerful disposition, and a good swim» mer, and it was difficult to account for the fatality. Dr. Reid, however, has stated that death was due to heart failure. Since coming to the Dominion deceased bad resided in New Plymouth, and represented the. Mutual and Citizens' Life Assurance Company. ' An inquest will he held at half-past J eleven o'clock to-day.