DROWNED IN HARBOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15482, 13 December 1913, Page 8

DROWNED IN HARBOUR

. BATHING FATALITY. DEATH OF A CONSTABLE. COMPANIONS IN DIFFICULTIES. A sad drowning fatality occurred at Devonport yesterday afternoon, Constable William James Carson losing his life while bathing. The deceased, who was a poor swimmer, was bathing near the Devonport Wharf with Constables F. Botirko and R. Wafde. The tide was out, and before the men could find water deep enough to swim in thev had to go a good distance from the | beach. Bourke was tho furthest out, Wade was a little to tho right of him, and Carson was tho nearest to the shore. Tho tide was rising, and Bourke, who was tho best swimmer of the thrco, suddenly realised that ho was further from the shore than was safe, taking his swimming abilities into consideration. He started to swiin inshore, when ho saw that Carson was in difficulties. As he approached him ho also heard Wade cry, " I am done." Ho went to Carson's assistance, and the drowning man grasped him, and a struggle took place. Both men went under the water, and Bourke, finding that he was being suffocated, managed to free himself j and raich tho surface. He remained I floating until he recovered his breath, and then seeing no signs of Carson, and finding himself able to touch bottom, ho .set out for tho beach. Wade followed him shortly afterwards, also very much overcome by his exertions.

A boat was obtained, and dragging operations were commenced, tut no trace of Carson could be found. Wade stated that ho seemed to get into a whirlpool and could make no headway. He remembers calling out, "I am done*" I but he does not know how he managed to get ashore. Bourke, who was very much overcome by bis strenuous time 'in the water, said that Carson did not make any sound. Apparently he had been under the water before, as ii was evident that when he reached him he was at his last gasp. The deceased, who was 23 years of age, was a native of Maryhill, Glasgow. He had been in New Zealand about 12 months, and had been in the police force about five months. After going through tho depot at Wellington he was transferred to Auckland last October. He was a single man, and it is believed that ho had an undo at Mataura, in the South Island. During his brief stay in Auckland ho gained a largo circle of friends. Dragging operations were continued last evening, and at about half-past ten o'clock the body was recovered near tho scene of the accident. An inquest will be held to-day