BEACH FATALITY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 110, 3 February 1930, Page 10

BEACH FATALITY

AMATEUR FISHERMAN LOSES LIFE - j Dominion Speciaii Service. Christchurch, February 2. A drowning tragedy occurred at Walmairi Beach, a few miles north of New Brighton, yesterday afternoon, a married man,’ A. W. Williamson, of North Beach, being the victim. Three of the Inter-City Bus Company’s drivers, Messrs. A. W. Williamson, Frank Hall, and J. Pease, together with Messrs. Max Roberts and Hector Philpott, went on a trawling expedition on the Waimairl Beach. When about a quarter of a mile north of the Surf Club’s pavilion Williamson and Hall, who were on the shallow end uf the line suddenly found themselves in a channel and being carried away by a strong ujidertow. The men, who were heavily clothed, made desperate efforts to reach the shore, Philpott going to their assistance. Every effort was made to bring Williamson to the shore/but owing to his violent struggles the efforts were unavailing. The other members of the party managed to get tack safely, but they were quite exhausted. Members of the Waimairl Surf Club who had been summoned ran a line out to try to find Williamson. Although the search was kept up for some time no sign was seen till nearly half an hour later, when the body was noticed floating on a roller. The line was again run out and the body Recovered. A doctor arrived a few minutes later, and resuscitation was attempted, hot water bottles procured and blankets provided, and for over an hour everything possible was done to bring Williamson round. Two more doctors also arrived, and further assisted, but after over an hour’s work the three doctors unanimously pronounced life extinct. Williamson, who was a popular resident of North Beach, Had three children.