Car Plunges Into Sea: Mother And Three Children Drowned

Northern Advocate, 28 July 1938, Page 8

Car Plunges Into Sea: Mother And Three Children Drowned

[Special to “Northern Advocate/’] AUCKLAND, This Day. POUR MEMBERS OF ONE FAMILY WERE DROWNED LAST NIGHT WHEN A MOTOR-CAR PLUNGED INTO THE SEA FROM CAMPBELL’S POINT, NEAR THE SHORE END OF THE EASTERN TIDE DEFLECTOR. ON THE WATERFRONT ROAD, SHORTLY BEFORE 9 O’CLOCK. THE HUSBAND, THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. ESCAPED. AFTER MAKING A GALLANT ENDEAVOUR TO RELEASE HIS WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN. iP * Dead. Mrs Vera Lawson, aged 34. of 28 Victoria Road. Avondale. Joan Lawson, aged 14, daughter of Mrs Lawson. Peter Lawson, aged 10, a son. , | Gladys Lawson, aged seven, another daughter. Injured; Mr Harold James Lawson, aged 35 years, a compositor, employed by the Dawson Printing Company, shock and effects of immersion; condition serious.

“Look Out!”

It is understood, from statements made by Mr Lawson to rescuers, that the family was returning from a visit . to friends, and it was decided to drive along the t waterfront. He could not recall the circumstances leading to the car’s plunge over the breakwater, beyond remembering a cry of “Look out!” the contact with the icy water, and the recollection of floating on the surface. First news of the tragedy was conveyed to the caretaker of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club’s premises, Mr P. H. Marshall. He found Mr Lawson standing outsiders door, wet through and highly agitated. > “Get somebody; I’ve just run my car over the side,” Mr Lawson told the caretaker. Again in Water. Mr Marshall stated that he ran on to the breakwater after telephoning the police, and found Mr Lawson, who now appeared to be in an exhausted condition, again in the water. Apparently he had made a courageous effort to remove his wife and children from the car, which had sunk in about 12 feet of water. / The position of the car was indicated i / by the glow of its headlights eight or ten feet under the water, creating an eerie effect. It was impossible, however, to render aid. »- - - - - Diver Recovers Bodies. Shortly after midnight it was realised that the aid of a diver must be enlisted. Arrangements were made \ ' with the Auckland Harbour Board, and the diver, his punt and equipment, arrived at the breakwater at 12.35 this morning. He experienced no difficulty in recovering the bodies. » It is expected that the car will be raised tp-day.