PAHIATUA RESIDENT DROWNED SURFING AT FOXTON BEACH

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6815, 21 January 1929, Page 6

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 Tcasdalc, of Paimerston North, an employee of Watson Bros., who went to deceased’s assist ance, was rescued from the surf apparently drowned and now lies in a private hospital recovering from shock. Bathers m Troumc. The story of the tragedy as gathered from various eye-wit.nesses 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 three men in difficulties some distance further out.

They immediately gave the alarm and Mr Teasdale, who is a strong swimmer, made for those in trouble, but was carried beyond them. Girls Attempt Rescue.

With commendable presence of mind, eight girls formed a human chain, w-hichj however, proved of no avail, as those furthest out'could not keep their feet. The actions of the girls had by this time aroused the interest of those on the beach and Mr W. Nicholson, of 44 Featherston street, was quick to perceive that the situation was pregnant with danger. He rushed into the surf but realising the fool-hardiness of attempting to do anything singlehanded 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 cars handy to the scene. By good fortune, earlier in the day, Mrs H. J. Woodheld, of Palmerston North, had 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 belt with a length of manilla attached. Mr Nicholson donned the belt 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, was in the water up to his armpits. The line was run out between. 75 and 100 yards. Here the rescuers found Mr Polglase floating head downwards with his body flexed. The unfortunate man was soon ashoro, and tlic leads of the team turned back to assist Mr Teasdale, who a little earlier had been conserving his strength by treading water. He, however, was no longer to be seen. The life-savers spread out to comb the locality and were rewarded by finding him unconscious, and all but submerged. Within 20 minutes of the call for aid, both were ashore. Mr Teasd'le Brought Round.

Luckily there wero present bathers with a knowledge of first-aid and how to restore resperation. For an hour and a half they worked with both cases, and Mr Teasdale at last showed signs of life. Dr. E. M. Wyllic, of Foxton, who had been summoned to the scene, on his arrival examined both men. Ho 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 ho regained consciousness late in the afternoon. Inquiries made last evening brought the information that he was progressing favourably, though suffering tho 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 Do Luxe Theatre orchestra. Worked as a Team.

In conversation with a “Times” reporter last evening, Mr Nicholson said it would be invidious to single out anyone in connection with the rescue. He stated that once onlookers knew that lives w-ero in danger, they acted quickly and deliberately. The action of the young lady in procuring the line and belt made the saving of one life a fact, as otherwise the bodies would have been carried out by the strong undertow which was running, and attempts at rescue might have resulted in a still greater tragedy. Life Saving Aids.

In commenting on tho circumstances of tho happening, Mr Nicholson was of the opinion that very few of those present were aware that a reel was in the vicinity and further, that its place should be near the water, not some 200

yards away. In a case of drowning, time more than anything w;js the essence of a rescue. A further item, which people arc apt to overlook is tho danger of swimming immediately after a meal. In conclusion, ho stated that people who swim and have a humanitarian interest in their fellow swimmdrs could not do better than make themselves fully acquainted with the Schaefer method of resuscitating the apparently drowned.

Drowning at Wairoa

VICTIM SON OF PALMERSTON RESIDENTS. Word was received in PalmcrstOS® North yesterday that Arthur Douglas Lyall, 21, was drowned at Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay) while bathing on Saturday. He was attending the carnival there, in company with a partner in the show business. No particulars of the fatality are available. Deceased who was married, with no family, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Lyall, of 32 ICingswood street. Palmerston North.