PAHIATUA RESIDENT DROWNED SURFING AT FOXTON BEACH.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 January 1929, Page 5

PAHIATUA RESIDENT DROWNED SURFING AT FOXTON BEACH.

TRAGIC SUNDAY HAPPENING. RESCUER ESCAPES BY NARROW MARGIN. PLUCKY ACTION BY GIRLS.

Shortly after one o’clock yesterday afternoon, Mr Richard Thomas Polglase, aged about 50, an old and respected resident of Pahiatua, was drowned while surf-bathing at Foxton beach. Mr William Teasdale, of Palmerston North, an employee of Watson Bros., who went to deceased’s assistance, was rescued from the surf apparently drowned and now lies in a private hospital recovering from shock. BATHERS IN TROUBLE. The story of the tragedy as gathered from various eye-witnesses and pieced together, shows that immediately after lunching, Mr Polglase entered the water. A party of girls who were enjoying the smaller breakers of the incoming tide, on hearing cries, perceived thtec men in difficulties some distance further out.

'They immediately gave the alarm and Mr Teasdale, who is a strong svHmmer, made for those in trouble, but was carried beyond them. GIRLS ATTEMPT RESCUE.

With commendable presence of mind, eight girls formed a human chain, which, however, proved of no avail, as those furthest out could not keep their feet.

The actions of the girls had by this time arounsed the interest of those on the beach and Mr W. Nicholson, of 44 Featherston Street, Palmerston North, was quick to perceive that the situation was pregnant with danger. Tie rushed into the surf but Realising the fool-hardiness of attempting to do anything single-handed and without a line, he returned to shore to procure a rope. LIFE LINE PROCURED.

So well concealed and far from the water's edge was the life-saving reel that a makeshift line had to be constructed from odd pieces of rope gathered from various motor ears handy to the scene. By good fortune, earlier in the day, Mrs H. J. Wop,dfielcT, of Palmerston North, hud looked in the shed where the reel is stored, and seeing 'tragedy abroad, she mentioned it to Miss N. Rosanoski, of Palmerston North, who lost no time in obtaining the life saving bolt with a length of mauilla attached.

.Mr Nicholson donned the holt and accompanied by Mr Angus Campbell, of Palmerston North, and a boy, proceeded to the rescue.

Two of those in danger, within ten minutes of the alarm being given, had by helpful waves and strenuous exertions, extricated themselves from their peril and reached the shore in an exhausted condition. , THE RESCUE.

Meanwhile, other helpers, stirred from the momentary inactivity caused by the first realisation of serious danger, manned the line. Mr L. H. Collinson, of Palmerston North, fully dressed, wa* in the water up to his ampita. The line Avas run put between 75 and 100 yards. Here the rescuers found iMr Polglase floating head doAvnwards with his body flexed. The unfortunate man Avas soon ashore, and the lea'da of the team turned back to assist Mr Teasdale, Avho a little earlier had been conserving his strength by treading water. He, however, Avas no longer to be seen. The life-savers spread out to comb the locality and Avero rewarded by finding him unconscious, and all but submerged. Within 20 minutes of the call for aid, both Averc ashore.

ME TEABDALE BROUGHT ROUND,

Luckily there were present bathers with a knowledge of first-aid and how to restore respiration. Fqr an hour and a-half they worked with both cases, and Mr Teasdale at last showed signs of life. Dr, E, M, Wyllie, of Foxton, who had been summoned to the scene, on his arrival examined both men. He pronounced that Mr Polglase was beyond all assistance and that Mr Teasdale’s condition was parlous. After attention by the doctor and a visiting medico, it was decided to send Mr Teasdale into a Palmerston North private hospital, where he regained consciousness late in the afternoon.

Inquiries made last evening brought the information that he was progressing favourably, though suffering the effects of shock.

The late Mr Polglase had carried on business in Pahiatua for a number of years as a tailor. His interests were by no means confined to his trade; all sports, particularly football, found in him a keen and willing supporter. The deceased, who was twice married, is survived by a wife and young daughter, who were on the beach when the tragedy occurred. Mr Teasdale, apart from his calling, is well known in musical circles, being a member of the Dc Luxe Theatre orchestra, of Palmerston.

TWO DROWNED FROM LAUNCH AT RAGLAN.

SON’S BRAVE ATTEMPT TO SAVE HIS FATHER.

AUCKLAND, Last Night,

William Park, of Raglan, aged 58, and Clarence Walter, of Ngaruawahia, aged 24, were drowned on the Raglan bar this afternoon. Together with L. Park, son of tho former and L. Bertling, they went out in a launch fishing. They were returning over the bar when a big wave came over the stern and the launch began to break up. Tho alarm was given and help sent but it was impossible to save the victims. Their companions clung to portion of the launch and reached tho shore. L. Park made a great effort to save his father. DROWNING AT WAIROA. Word was received in Palmerston North yesterday that ■ Arthur Douglas Lyall, 21, was drowned at Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay) while bathing on Saturday. Deceased who was married, with no family, was the son of Mr and Mrs A. (f. Lyall, of 32 Kingswood Street, Palmerston North. A Press telegram from Wairoa states that the deceased and a companion

were skylarking in the water, when the former barked in a deep hole and disappeared. Dragging operations resulted in the recovery of tho body yesterday at noon. The deceased was only recently married, and his wife resides at Fox ton. An inquest is being held this afternoon. At the inquest, the Coroner returned a verdict or accidentally drowning. A rider was added that the Borough Council be urged to erect warning notices at dangerous spots along the liver front.