Rescue from a Perilous Position.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4647, 26 November 1883, Page 2

Rescue from a Perilous Position.

[Peb Pbess Association.] . DtrsrEMN, Yesterday. ■ Two High School boarders, named Line from Oatnaru, and Lovegrove, from Timaru, went to see the fowl nesting on a rock off Ocean Beach, about four miles from town, yesterday afternoon. The tide was low and they had not far to swim to the rock. After amusing themselves for some time on the rock they attempted' .;to swim ashore, but one of them taking the cramp they returned to the rock. The tide having risen considerably it became evident to some of their companions, who had remained on shore, that they could not get off. A gooddeal of excitement Sprang up on the jsifcnatioa of the boys beiiig made known, and some 60 persons, among whom were Inspector Weldon, several members "of the police and Dr Brown, —congregated on the the beach to render what assistance they could. A telegram was sent to Port Chalmers, and the Harbormaster despatched the steamer Plucky to rescue the ladsi After some hours' steaming in the vicinity the rock was reached, but owing to the darkness nothing could be done. Fires were lighted asW signal to the steamer, and also to show the lads that steps were being taken for their recovery, and at half-past three in the morning Messrs Whelan (who has on several occasions been instrumental in life in Dunedin), Miller (a very old resident in the district), Dinaly (of Mosgiel), and a young gentleman whose name ihas not ! transpired, swam out to the rocks "-with tropes;; The water was one seething mass of foam, and after reaching a point of the reef two of the swimmers had to go through a channel where there was a very swift current to get at the boys. They found them sheltered in a cave, and with the aid of the Topes brought them ashore. Beyond a few bruises, and suffering a little from exhaustion, having been naked on the rocks 12 hours, they wer.e not a great vdeal the worse for their adventure. There was a great deal of rejoicing and cheering when they were safely landed.- A proposition to present fellows who went to their rescue with" some public mark of the appreciation of their valor was mooted at the time and is likely to be more heard of.