THE LAUNCH TRAGEDY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15521, 31 January 1914, Page 10

THE LAUNCH TRAGEDY

BODIES NOT RECOVERED.

THE LATE MR. GORDON.

A PROMINENT ATHLETE.

The search for the bodies of Miss Myrtle Rowan and Mr. Robert Gordon, the victims of the launch tragedy which took place in Rangitoto Channel on Thursday evening, was carried on all day yesterday by the police and by the relatives of the deceased, but without success. A report was current during the afternoon and early part of the evening that the body of Miss Rowan had been discovered on the beach between Milford Beach, and Takapuna Beach, but this report proved to be incorrect. The search will be continued to-day. The dinghy which was carried away to sea after the accident, was found washed up at Narrow Neck yesterday afternoon.

The statement that when Mr- Gordon jumped overboard in an effort to rescue Miss Rowan he took a line with him has led to some surprise being expressed that he was unable to effect his purpose. It is believed, however, that it was a loose piece of rope that he seized as he plunged into the sea, and that it was not in any way attached t othe launch.

The late Mr. Robert Gordon, who was a son of Mr. S. H. Gordon (of the contracting firm of Mays and Gordon), was a very popular young man. He was an enthusiastic cricketer and footballer, and as a member of the Eden Cricket Club, he was playing on Saturday last for Eden A against Ponsonby. He was also a good swimmer and a prominent member of the Auckland College Rifles' Football Club. He was a member of the local staff of the- New Zealand Insurance Company. His untimely end has been received with great sorrow by all with whom he-was associated, either in work or play. The late Mr. Gordon was an, intimate friend of the late- Miss Rowan's family. Mr. Gordon, sen., is one of the original members of the Dominion Road Bowling Club, and has also been caretaker of the green since its inceptionThe green was closed yesterday, and the pavilion flag was flying at half-mast as a mark of respect to the bereaved family. Miss Mary Rowan, sister of the drowned girl, and who was also on the launch, was very ill after arriving at her home. Medical attention was necessary yesterday, and last evening her condition was reported to have greatly improved.