WESTPORT BEACH TRAGEDY

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1940, Page 4

WESTPORT BEACH TRAGEDY

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST [PER press association.] WESTPORT, November 28. A verdict that death was due to accidental drowning was returned by the Coroner (Mr. G. Taylor) at an inquest to-day into the death of Alfred Ronald Caldwell while bathing at the North Beach, Westport, on Monday. Evidence was given by Miss Eugene Bird, who said that she accompanied Caidwell to the North Beach on Monday. He went into the sea for a swim. He was not a strong swimmer, but could swim breaststroke. She saw him dive through a wave. He then stood up. She went back on to the beach and remained for a while. On looking round she saw Caldwell going into deeper water and thought he was swimming, but thought it strange as he had told her previously that he would never go into deep water until he could swim well enough. She looked away again, and on looking back could not see any sign of Caldwell. She thought he may have been behind a swell. A few minutes later she again looked for Caldwell and saw him face downwards in the water. She felt sure that Caldwell was dead at that time.

TEACHER RESCUES. BOY WESTPORT,, November 28. Ronald Coleman, aged thirteen, had a narrow escape from drowning yes r terday while bathing in the Buller River in the vicinity of Tiroroa. Coleman, who was accompanied by some other boys, got into difficulties and his plight was seen from the bank by Mr. C. Harrow, a school teacher, who fully clothed dived to the boy’s aid and brought him out safely. This timely action of Harrow undoubtedly saved the boy’s; life. '