EXCITING ADVENTURES IN THE SURF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13055, 21 December 1905, Page 5

EXCITING ADVENTURES IN THE SURF.

NARROW ESCAPES FROM DROWN- - . ■' ING. * '! ■

A LITTLE MAORI HERO,

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN COBUKSrOSBUKT.]

Gisbobnb, Wednesday.,,, A couple of exciting adventures in the surf are narrated by the Gisborne Times' correspondents at Toko ma ru Bay. "

During the dinner hour half-a-dozen pupils of the native school, instead of going into the creek (a safe place for bathing), venI tured into the surf. They happened to I strike a spot where the backwash is very strong, and before long one girl, of 12 years, Mai-aea Wilson, was washed out a long distance, from tho shore. Being an excellent swimmer, she kept herself afloat, but was unable to get back to the shore. A small, but strong M'aori boy, Tonga Waru, aged nine years, went bravely out to her assistance. ; The little fellow pluckily swam to, and caught hold of, the girl, who is about two stone heavier than he is. He was washed away. by a big wave, and both children were in great, danger. Had they not been fine swimmers they must undoubtedly have been drowned. Tho other children obtained assistance. . Messrs. E. Connolly and Gordon were among the first to arrive on the scene, and immediately went to the assistance of the : children. Just at the right moment a huge wave came along, and i lifted the children about 10yds further into the shore. ~ The two gentlemen seized the girl, and brought her safely to shore. The boy, in the meantime, was helped by others. The brave little chap was quite exhausted by his act of heroism, but after being attended to, and put to bed for a few hours, he was none the worse. The girl, however, was almost at her last-gasp when rescued. Remedial measures were applied immediately by many willing ladies, who had by this time arrived. The girl was then taken to the schoolmaster's residence, where she received every attention, and has now quite recovered. The school children had been warned against sea bathing when no adults were present. Little Tonga Waru is deservedly regarded as a hero by his schoolmates. During an entertainment Mr. Sigley, the native school-teacher, made a presentation to Tonga Waru from the public for his act of bravery. The master made feeling reference to the little fellow's heroism, and called for three cheers, which were heartily given.

At ' Port Awanui last week Leonard Slight, nephew of Mrs. Buttlcr, of the Rose Hotel, while out bathing with some school companions, was ' caught .by an undercurrent and swept out, and only with difficulty succeeded in catching hold of a small rock. None of tho boys could swim. Harold Banks rushed to the township for help, but, unfortunately, it was" the Wednesday half-holiday, and all the men, with the exception of one, were away. Mr. Duff, who was ill in bed, rose, and went to the boy's help. Being weak and unfit for the exertion, it was with difficulty he reached the rock just as. the boy's strength was giving way. At low tide this undercurrent ie very strong. -