BROWNED IN SURF

Northern Advocate, 9 January 1936, Page 3

BROWNED IN SURF

FATALITY AT COOK ISLANDS j [Per Press Association.—Copyright.] ! WELLINGTON, This Day. i Advice from Raratonga (Cook Is- ‘ lands) states that a fatality occurred i yesterday, involving the death of Mr C. Hodgkins, a well-known local den- ! tist. ■ Mr Hodgkins was bathing off the Avarua Wharf. A heavy sea was running at the time, and there was considerable undertow. The hurricane I last February 1 somewhat altered the j contour of the coast in the vicinity of j the harbour, with the result that in | heavy seas there is a vex*y pronounced I tide rip and a strong current out to sea. An inquest has nqt yet been held, but it is thought that deceased was overcome by the strength of the seas and collapsed through heart failure. Efforts were made to resuscitate Mr Hodgkins when he had been brought ashore, but without avail. . The funeral took place yesterday morning and was largely attended by all sections of the community, both European and native. Mr Hodgkins leaves a wife and young family.