Auckland Tragedy

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 221, 4 September 1926, Page 5

Auckland Tragedy

Man Drowned at New Lynn

STOOD UP TO CHANGE HIB SEAT NEW DINGHY CAPSIZES (Per Press Association.) Auckland, Sept. 4. William Frederick Jones, who was drowned at New Lynn, and bis brother, Herbert, were testing a newly-purchased dinghy. When 80 yards off shore William stod up in the bow to change hig seat and overbalanced, with the result that the dinghy was swamped. Both men and two dogs were thrown into the water. The two men clung to the overturned dinghy, but lost their hold. Herbert advised his brother to start for the shore. He did so, and appeared to be making good progress. Herbert seized the boat again but lost his hold and sank. On regaining the surface he caught the pointer, but could see no sign of his brother.

Marjery Kush, aged 10, witnessed the accident, and called O. R. McMillan and N. A. Mackenzie, who went to the rescue. They could see only one man, who was hanging on to the dinghy. McMillan swam to the dinghy and pushed it ashore, with Herbert Jones hanging on. The only trace of W. F. Jones was his cap, floating in about twelve feet of water. Had it not been lor the promptitude of the child McMillan says the tragedy would have been a double one.

An earlier telegram states that William Frederick Jones, aged 47, was drowned yesterday afternoon in Whau creek, New Lynn, through the capsize of a seven foot dinghy, which was being used for the first time. His brother Herbert Jones clung to the overturned boat and was pluckily rescued by Oswald McMillan. William Jones intended to sail for Sydney by the Marama to-day, but subsequently changed his mind and visited his brother instead.