RESCUE FROM RIVER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 205, 13 August 1932, Page 4

RESCUE FROM RIVER

CARPENTER’S BRAVE ACTION. FELLOW-WORKER SAVED. Oamtru, Aug 11. A courageous action is reported from the Waitaki hydro-electric works. Mr James Leonard Johnston plunged into the Waitaki river to the assistance of a fellow-worker, Mr R. Grimwood, and brought him to safety. Both men, who are Carpenters, were working in a punt on the river in the vicinity of the Wharekuri bridge being constructed across the river at the head of the dam. Mr Grimwood was leaning over the side of the punt to release a snag which suddenly gave way and he overbalanced, falling into the river. He is a poor swimmer. Without hesitation Mr Johnston, fully clothed, and with a bag of nails still about his waist plunged into the rushing waters to his companion’s assistance. The temperature of the ice-fed river was 35 degrees. The rescuer eaught Mr Grimwood 90 or 100 yards downstream and assisted him to safety. It was a courageous . action, which only a very powerful swimmer could have achieved. Mr Packwood, engineer in charge, has reported the matter to the Minister of Public Works. Mr Frith, the local representative, has forwarded particulars to the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand.