BATHING FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 24, 29 January 1934, Page 3

BATHING FATALITY.

DROWNED IN ESTUARY.

SWEPT OFF HIS FEET,

Unable to swim, Frederick Ernest Clarence Johnson, aged 19, was bathing with two companions in Pukaki Creek, a tidal estuary of the Manukau, about noon yesterday, when'he was apparently swept off his feet by the current and drowned. Mr. Johnson, who lived with his parents in Pukaki Road, Mangere, was a farm labourer. He went into the creek with two companions, Jack Gallacher, aged 18, and Norman Kermode, aged 20. James Gallacher, aged 23, who°was also one of the party, did not enter the water, but eat on the bank. Where the young men went into the creek there is a ridge of rocks running down the centre, and on the ebb tkle° a strong current runs. Apparently Johnson got into this part of the channel, which is fairly deep, and was swept off his feet. Seeing Johnson in difficulties, and being unable to help him, Jack Gallacher and Kcrmode gave the alarm. James Gallacher, who was on the bank, dashed down, and, slipping off his shoes, entered the water clothed in shirt and trousers. Johnson sank just as Gallacher reached him. Gallacher dived and caught Johnson by the hair, but owing to the force of the current could not retain his hold. Three Maoris, Jack Wilson, Harry Matata, and Leo Marshall, then arrived from a farm and entered the water, and after a search of an hour they recovered the body. Artificial respiration was applied, but to no avail. " - ■ An inquest was held at the Otahuhu Courthouse this morning before Mr. F. H. Levicn, S.M. After evidence had been given a verdict was returned that deceased met his death by accidental drowning.