MAN DROWNED

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 15, 19 January 1914, Page 8

MAN DROWNED

■ FATAL BATHING PARTY. A drowning accident occurred yesterday morning off the foreshore at Happy Valley, whereby Thomas Smith, a young married man, residing at 44, Rollestonstreet, lost his life. Tho deceased and two other men, Benjamin Smith and Francis M'Fadden, were bathing, having left the beach between 8 and 9 o'clock in the morning in a small rowing boat for the purpose of reaching a depth suitable for diving. The deceased," who was the only member of the party who could not swim, managed the boat while his two companion* bathed. Benjamin Smith was in the act of diving from the edge of the boat when all three were precipitated into the water through the craft capsizing. A big breaker caused the accident. The deceased sank in a few seconds, but Benjamin Smith and M'Fadden managed to make their way to a reef some thirty yards away. Constable Redican, of Island Bay, was informed of the fatality, and, as a result of dragging operations, discovered the body some few hours later at a depth of IS feet It was removed to the morgue. The deceased, who was not related to his companion, Benjamin Smith, was employed at Hill's brickyards, and was aged 28 years. He leaves a wife and two children. An inquest will be heljd.