HOLE IN THE ICE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 8, 10 July 1934, Page 4

HOLE IN THE ICE

SKATERS IN DIFFICULTIES

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July, 9. • A skater, Mr. G. W. Prebble, who sank through a hole in the ice at Lake Lyndon on Sunday, had a narrow escape from drowning in icy water. He was a member of the last-party to leave the lake-, and another member of the party turned to call him: to come ashore when Mr: Prebble disappeared through the ice. , "All the members of the. party rushed across the hundred yards of ice with a length of rope. One of them, Mr. Kilpatriek, also put his foot through the thin ice, but was able, to draw.it out again. Other skaters, how without their skates, Messrs. Bay Britten and Arthur Britten and Miss Henderson, reached the broken ice first, but Mr. Kay Britten^ with one end of. the rope, went too near the hole in the ice and sank into the cold water of the lake.

Neither Mr. Prebble nor Mr. Britten could swim, but they supported themselves on the broken edge of the ice. Rescue proved difficult, but Mr. Britten, with-help, was at last.able to roll on to the ice and extricate himself. He was hurried ashore by . Mr.. Arthur Britten. .;.;.. ' • '....':

Miss Henderson, had gone ; to call other helpers, and Mr. Kilpatrick was left to do bis best , for Mr. Prebble. When he tried to Toll, him;. put on to the ice it brolce again, arid Mr. Prebble, who was now' tiring in the intense!}' cold water, was in a dangerous^ plight. Mr. Kilpatriek; -however, contrived to pass a loop of rope round Mr Prebble's shoulders;, and with' this' support he was able to crawl, out. " . ■ ;

Mr. Kilpatriek at once made for'the shore: -with all speed, towing: the exhausted man across^the ice behind Other helpers, suinmoned.4)y,-Miss-Hen-derson, arrived :immediately :;and.assisted 'in the '--resuscitation-fof ' Mr. Prebble,: who was in-a state of; almost complete collapse. •, ' " ■ r