TRAGEDY AT PIHA

Northern Advocate, 21 January 1935, Page 2

TRAGEDY AT PIHA

YOUNG WOMAN DROWNED. 1 WASHED OFF SURF BOARD. "OTHER BATHERS IN ■. TROUBLE. j [Special to “Northern Advocate.”} j ' AUCKLAND, This Day. V A succession of breakers was responsible for throwing Miss Elvira Livingstone, aged 20, off her surl board yesterday afternoon at Piha, pnd she was drowned. ; The details of_ the tragedy go to show that at about 3.30 p.m., the deceased, who lived in Sussex Street, Grey Lynn, was surfing with Mr S |‘G. Bennett, a stoker from H-.M.S. Diomede, when she was washed off tier surf board in the vicinity of Lion &ock, where there is a very strong imdertow. Mr Bennett, who was handy, promptly caught hold of her |ri order to prevent her from being Carried away by the outgoing tide Lilt a further succession of waves broke his grip and she disappeared. U'The incident was witnessed by several persons, including Mr E. O’Brien and Mr A. Woodlock, who both attempted a rescue, but without success.

' While these efforts were being Carried out Mr Bennett was in trouble, and a member of the Surf Club, Mr A. L. Sutton, went to his assistance and brought him safely ashore With the aid of the lifeline. The .waves,' aided by the strong under tow. were responsible for getting M: Wdodlock into a precarious position and he was practically exhausted when Mr Wilson went to his aid and both of these men haule'd dshore by means of a life-line, i After about 20 minutes had elapsed Mr O’Brien found. Miss Livingstone. He brought her ashore and artificial respiration was applied, but without success. Dr. J. H. Wood and Dr. R. fp* . M. Walton also assisted in the resuscitation methods, but after a lengthy period could only pronounce life to be extinct. The body was brought to Auckland and an inquest will be held. While* attempts were being made to Revive Miss Livingstone another call fjSr assistance was received. Although dhiy seven members of the Surf Club were on duty, three were immediately sent to help three young - men Who had become marooned on a rock a? Tittle distance from the shore. They Ultimately reached the beach without mishap.,

CONTROL OF SWIMMING. POSITION OF SURF CLUB MEN. GREATER AUTHORITY NECESSARY LSpecml to "Northern Advocate .” 3 AUCKLAND. This Day. ■‘Occurrences of this kind will never cease until Surf Club members are given the authority of beach inspectors,” said the captain of the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club, Mr J. L. Wilson, in commenting on the drowning yesterday of Elvira Livingstone, aged 20, despite the valiant efforts of club members and others. “Surf club members,” he declared, “should be given power actually to order swimmers away from, dangerous places instead of being able to advise them, . which advice I may add is seldom taken. Even while measures were being taken to resuscitate Miss Livingstone, other people were swimming in the very place where she was drowned.” Swimmers had repeatedly been warned not to go near Lion Rock, where there was a terrible undertow.