DINGHY SWAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 102, 2 May 1935, Page 8

DINGHY SWAMPS.

FOUR MEN IN RIVER.

ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

ONE RESCUED UNCONSCIOUS

(By XelPgraph.-

—Own Correspondent.)

PUKEKOHE, this day.

When crossing (he Waikato River at a point a short distance above Tuakau bridge to construct shooting maimais in readiness for the opening of the shooting season yesterday, four l'ukekohc men had narrow escapes from drowning as the result of their dinghy swamping in midstream. The members of the party were Messrs. .1. McComb, L. Davoren, R. Reynolds and L. Parris. They had taken a dinghy with them from l'ukekohc, and when nearly in the middle of the river it was caught by a strong current, which splashed over the sides so that the boat commenced to till.

Realising that the boat would swamp. Mr. McComb called to his companions to take off their coats in case they had to swim. When the boat was completely swamped Mr. Davorcn was still attempting to take off his coat.

.All four men were tipped into the water, Mr. Parris then assisting Mr. Davoren out of his coat. All struck out for the bunk, some distance away, but owing to the handicap of the remaining clothes progress was difficult.

After being carried downstream about a quarter of a 'mile Messrs. McComb, Reynold)* and Parris managed to reach some willows, Mr. McComb being completely exhausted and having to be assisted to the bank.

Realising that Mr. Davorcn was missing Messrs, Reynolds and Parris looked about and saw him being carried on by the current, apparently exhausted. As both are strong swimmers they set off in pursuit and eventually Mr. Reynolds managed to reach him after he had disappeared once. The two swimmers brought Mr. Davoren ashore, by which time he was unconscious. Artificial restoration was applied and after about a quarter of an hour he revived. Mr. Davoren is reported to be recovering.