CORONER PRAISES PRIEST’S COURAGE IN RESCUING GIRLS
(P.A.) WELLINGTON. Mar. 5. “There fs no doubt that Fajther Summers proved himself a true hero and had it not been for his actions there could have resulted a far worse tragedy,” said the coroner, Mr, W. G. L. Mellish, at the inquest into the deaths of two 12-year-old schoolgirls who lost their lives on Plimmerton Beach on Tuesday.
Mr, Mellish emphasised that Father Summers had rescued five girls who had been in difficulties and was to be highly commended for his efforts. Father John Frederick Summers, Lower Hutt, stated in evidence that he had been in charge of the pupils of St. Peter and St. Paul’s Primary Schdol at a picnic at Plimmerton Beach and was swimming with about 50 girls when a rip suddenly developed.
Witness said he had chosen Plimmerton as he considered it to be the safest beach in the Wellington district. “It was certainly the first intimation I have ever had that there is any current on the main beach at Plimmerton," said Mr. Mellish in returning a verdict of accidental drowning.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22887, 5 March 1949, Page 7
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184CORONER PRAISES PRIEST’S COURAGE IN RESCUING GIRLS Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22887, 5 March 1949, Page 7
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