FIGHT FOR LIFE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1920, Page 8

FIGHT FOR LIFE.

YOUNG MAORI'S GREAT STRUGGLE. Referring to a young Maori's great fight against deatli in the rough sea at Waihi on Saturday, the Waiiti correspondent of the Auckland Star writes:— One of the most exciting occurrences ever witnessed at Waihi beach occurred late on Saturday afternoon, in a gallant struggle for life in a rough sea, though badly hurt, of a native youth named Jacob Toby, who had a miraculous escape from drowning, and the total loss of a fishing launch, owned by Mr. J. Norris, a returned soldier, with whom Toby was engaged fishing. The launch had been anchored some distance off the shore, but, in view of a rapidly rising sea, it was decided to make an attempt to reach the vessel and run her ashore. Toby volunteered to do this. After he had entered the water it became apparent to a large number of spectators on the 'beach that the native boy was a swimmer of unusual ability. lie had a hard sea to contend with, and a strong current swept him somewhat oif his course. Eventually he readied the launch, and after a brief rest, hauled in the anchor. He then proceeded to get the engine started.

| Released from her anchorage, the vessel drifted outwards, and was mat by several large rollers. Getting sideways to the sea, she immediately capsized, taking Toby, who was stopping down at the engine, with her. The unfortunate youth became entangled in the battery wire of the engine In the interior of the launch whilst under water, and had a frantic struggle to free himself. He was given up for lost by watchers on the shore, but eventually was seen clinging to the bottom of the launch. Immediately efforts were made to reach him Tiy means of a life-savins reel and boat, but, owing to the heavy seas, all these attempts proved futile, ' Toby made a desperate attempt to maintain a hold on the bottom of the launch, and was badly hurt on the left side through coining'into contact with the iron propeller shaft. Eventually he decided to make an attempt to reach the shore, nnd, after a great battle with the sea, he reached a half-submerged rocK, to which he dung, regaining breath. Upon reaching the main rocks he collapsed. He was found to V injured on the left side of the body, and also on the back of his head, and had also sustained several minor lacerations. Dr. Brown attwdpd later to Toby, who was conveyed to the hospital, This native boy is only nineteen years old, is a fine specimen of the race'phvhically, and his plucky struggle for life against great odds won the admiration of all those on the shore. He was in the water for over an hour.

The launch, which is valued at £SO, drifted on a rack .'it Orokawa Day mid became a total wreck, ]"(■, was'f'pund impossible to salvage the engine-