RIDER TO VERDICT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20135, 3 January 1940, Page 11

RIDER TO VERDICT

INQUEST ON BATHER WAINUI BEACH DROWNING PRAISE FOR SON'S ACT A recommendation that several notices should be erected at Wainui Beach by the Cook County Council instructing visitors picnicking at the beach to swim in the vicinity of tnc Surl! Club was made to-day in the Coroner’s Court by the jury when a verdict of accidental drowning was returned at the inquest concerning the death on Monday afternoon o. David John Cumming, aged 62, an Ormond farmer. The deepest sympathy of the court and police was extended to the family of the deceased, and the eldest son, Mr. Thomas Gordon Cumming. was congratulated on his courageous efforts to support his father until assistance arrived. The acting-coroner, Mr. T. Corson, J.P., referred to the fact that th« number of men available for the patrols of the Wainui Surf Life-Sav-ing Club had been depleted since the outbreak of war and that intending bathers would assist the work ot the club members if they were to swim near ihe life-saving station. So long ;i beach was difficult to patrol intensively if the bathing parties were spread out over its three miles. Danger of Bathing After Meals The danger to swimmers bathing soon after having had a meal also was stressed by Mr. Corson. The inquest was conducted by Sergeant A. Doel. Thomas Gordon Cumming told of his efforts to save his father's life, and said that they were swept out about 400yds, A post office clerk, Donald Bruce Blackwell, who was the beltman to recover the body, and Constable James lieaslip, Makaraka, also gave evidence Dr. A. Murray Scott said that he formed the opinion that the deceased had drowned, and that he had entered the water shortly after having had a heavy meal. The jurymen were Messrs. Percival Bailey, foreman, Henry Millar Pinkerton, Robert Mortimer, and John Harold Hollamby. Mr. A. Trevor Coleman appeared cm behalf of the relatives.