DROWNING ACCIDENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 1 February 1936, Page 5

DROWNING ACCIDENT

VAIN EFFORTS AT RESCUE BOV COMMENDED T!Y CORONER (B,y Telegraph—Press Association) HASTINGS, 30th January. A vcrdid of accidental drowning was roturncil hy the district Coroner (Mr G. EhLiett, J.K). at the inquest into tile death of Robert Neilson Davidson, aged 16, whose body was recovered from a lake near Maraokakaho yesterday.

The evidence showed that Terence McCormack, aged 15, who went to Hie lake with the deceased, made, valiant, efforts to save Davidson. Davidson had said he could swiiTi a

little, but after diving off a punt immediately called for help. McCormack went to Davidson’s assistance, asking him to turn on his back, which Davidson did. McCormack started to help him to get to shore, which was 50 or 60 yards distant, the boat having by this time drifted away. They made progress for a little 'while, then Davidson started to struggle. McCormack persevered but was pulled under and had to let him go as he came up. He took Davidson by the hair and made a few yards’ progress. Then Davidson struggled again and pulled McCormack under once more. When McCormack came up again Davidson had disappeared. McCormack paddled around for a. while and then swam ashore for assistance.

1 ho Coroner said that in his opinion McCormack was to be commended for bis efforts to rescue the deceased, having done everything possible.