DROWNING ACCIDENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1922, Page 4

DROWNING ACCIDENTS.

FATALITY AT OPUNAKE BEACH. WOMEN RECOVER BODY. The pleasure of the large crowd present at the Opunake beach on Monday, was marred when it became known that a man named Joseph Thomson had dfed while bathing. Thomson, before entering the water, attracted attention by his peculiar demeanour, and shortly afterwards it was noted that he had disappeared. Two young ladies, Misses Given and Kathleen Taylor, of Hawera, were bathing near by and quickly went to the spot where deceased had last been seen. These young ladies discovered the body in about three feel; of water and brought it ashore. Medical aid was immediately sent for and Nurse Gregg was soon on the scene. First aid was also rendered by others present, but all attempts at restoration were unsuccessful. It is considered that deceased died from shock, as he was bathing in shallow water. Deceased was a man of about GO years of age and about sft 6iri in height. He had until recently been employed as a porter at the Opunake Hotel. It is not known if he has any relatives living. Prior to coming to Opunake he was for some time in the Eltham district.—Star correspondent. An inquest will be held t'-day.

FATALITY AT WEU4NGTON. ALSO A NARROW ESCAPE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A fatality occurred at Lyall Bay today, when a young man named Frank Holrovd, a tram conductor, aged 21, whose relations reside at Auckland, was drowned. With Maltby, his companion, Holroyd went for a swim and when some distance from t(ie shore both got in difficulties. Holroyd disappeared and his body has not been recovered. Maltby had a narrow escape and readied shore in an exhausted condition. PUNT CAPSIZES. YOUNG BOY DROWNED. Auckland, Last Night. A boy named Leslie Grant, aged $ years, was drowned off the Point Chevalier beach this afternoon. He was in a* punt without oars with three other boys and the punt capsized. A party put off In a boat and rescued three boys, but could find no trace of Grant. Tha body was subsequently recovered.