CHILD DROWNED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 309, 31 December 1930, Page 9

CHILD DROWNED.

COX'S CREEK FATALITI

COLLAPSE WHILE BATHING,

RESUSCITATION EFFORTS FAIL,

Robert Allan Sutherland, aged nine years and eleven months, of 79, West End Road, Grey Lynn, wae drowned while bathing in Cox's Creek, a tidal estuary on the western harbour front, yesterday afternoon. The boy's father is Mr. R. J. Sutherland, an employee of the Northern Steamship Co._

A number of young children were bathing- in the vicinity at the time, and the tide was on the ebb. The cause ol the accident is not clear, but it is believed the boy was subject to fits, and he apparently had a seizure .while in the water. Mr. E. Maples, of Hinemoa Road, who was swimming nearby, noticed several children holding the boy in an endeavour to keep his head above water. • He carried the boy ashore and tried resuscitation methods, but without success. Dr. V. F. Usher, of Ponsonby, was also summoned, but further efforts to restore life failed. ■■■ A.n inquest was opened beiore rue coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., this morning: Evidence of identification was <nven, and the inquest was adjourned. The present holiday season in Auckland has been singularly free from fatalities, and this ie the first drowning accident that has occurred near the city during the period.