FOXTON FATALITY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 74, 21 December 1937, Page 12

FOXTON FATALITY

Verdict Of Accidental

Drowning

Dominion Special Service. Palmerston, North, December 20.

A finding that Frederick Thomas Lovejoy, 41, of 84 Limbrick Street, Palmerston North, was accidentally drowned while bathing at Manawatu Heads, Foxton, yesterday, was returned by the coroner, Mr. G. D. Hamilton, J.P., Levin, at, an inquest held at Palmerston North to-day. Sergeant W. O’Donnell conducted the inquest for the police. Dr. T. H. Pullar, pathologist at Palmerston North Hospital, said he conducted a post-mortem examination. In his opinion death was due to drowning. There was no condition of the heart or other organ which could cause a sudden collapse. Stanley William Baigent, brother-in-law of deceased, said about 4 p.m. he and Lovejoy went for a swim. Lovejoy was not a good swimmer. He was about 40 yards out from him before witness heard him calling for help. He was drifting further away all the time. By the time witness, who was himself finding trouble with the current, had reached the shore, someone had gone out with a life-line. Lovejoy was still visible. The man with the life-line got into difficulties and had to be pulled back. Lovejoy had then disappeared. To the coroner witness said he had seen notices on the beach warning bathers of the dangerous currents but he had not noticed them that day. There were a large number of persons bathing. Eric John' Phelp, gas work's employee, said he went swimming with the others. Lovejoy went further out to the right from him and later he saw he was in difficulties. Witness waded ashore to assist with the life-line. Lovejoy had disappeared. Witness knew it was a dangerous beach and had seen the notices, but he did not know whether it was higli or low tide. Francis Henry Highton, storekeeper, gave evidence of haviitfe found the body on the beach. He applied artificial respiration, but without success. Constable G. Edwards said he was called to the beach, bub found deceased had disappeared. There were notices on the beach warning the public it was dangerous to bathe at ebb tide. There was also a flag flown at the life-saving club which was pulled down when it was dangerous to bathe. It was down when he reached the beach.