DROWNING ACCIDENT

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 137, 8 December 1919, Page 8

DROWNING ACCIDENT

SAD AFFAIR AT TITAHI BAY

Widespread regret was felt in Wellington last night when the news was made public that Mr. P. Dromgool, solicitor, of the Public Trust Office, had lost his lifo in a bathing accident at Titahi Bay, where he had gone that morning with a picnic party. In the afternoon several of the party went into the surf, and in a few minutes it was seen that three women were in difficulties, having been washed off their feet by a big breaker. One of them, Miss Keeney, was secured by Constable Neil, who, however, was dragged away from her by a huge wave. He became exhausted, and Mr. Dromgool went to his assistance, only to disappear in a few moments. Miss Keeney eventually got ashore, as did also another member of the party, Miss Blake, thanks to the assistance of Constable H. Williams and Constable C. Dromgool, a cousin of the deceased,- who entered the water fully dressed and only succeeded in bringing the girl ashore after a hard struggle. Several other members of the bathing party had narrow escapes, and those who witnessed the thrilling scene speak in terms of high admiration of the selfsacrificing efforts of the members of the Police Force, who belonged to the picnic party, and of all the civilians who were m any way capable of rendering assistance. Mr. Dromgool was well known to be a powerful swimmer, and, although it was aeon that he had lost his hold of Miss Keeney and was being carried further out by the backwash, he was not considered to be in danger. Then he disappeared, and was not seen again. All those who had suffered from the dreadful experience were attended to by Dr. Harcourt -Arthur and Nurse Kyle, of Wellington, at the Titahi Bay Club, and under treatment they recovered. Mr. Dromgool was married some nine months ago to Miss Golding, of Christchurch, who witnessed the sad fatality. He was a man of exceptional ability, prominent in matters affecting Catholic education, and his untoward death at the early age of 35 years outs off what was regarded by very many as a most promising career. A'-member of the party informed a Post reporter to-day that another man, David Smith, employed at the Government Printing Office, had made an exceedingly plucky attempt to rescce those in difficulties. Fully clothed, he went into the treacherous breakers, and after doing excellent work he, too, got into difficulties. Williams, Neal, Smith, and Miss Keeney were' in' a serious plight, and those on shore entertained little hopes of a rescue being effected. The only reason that can be given for the saving of their lives was that they turned on their backs to float. The four persons were struggling in the water for fully 45 minutes before they were rescued, and by that time they were exhausted— so much so that for three hours resuscitation efforts were continuously carried out. - Great credit was due to Constable Thompson, who completed the rescue of Miss Blake, Constable Shea, and Messrs. Porter and Smith, in addition to others mentioned. For her work in applying firstaid, Nurse Kyle was deserving of the highest praise. Mrs. M. Russell, the chaperone of the party, was , also responsible for good work. The eye-witness also pointed out that it was Miss' Nidd who gave the alarm in the first place. D. .Smith was reported to be in a somewhat serious condition last evening, but was much improved to-day. Williarii Smith was suffering from a sprained ankle, and Miss Blake had recovered today. .