FUNERAL OF HERO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19860, 2 February 1928, Page 12

FUNERAL OF HERO.

LIFE GIVEN FOR CHILD. MANUKAU DROWNKNG ACCIDENT. Over 50 motor-cars formed a funeral procession to Waikaraka Cemetery, where Mr. Percy White, who was drowned in a heroic attempt to save the life of a child who fell from the Cornwallis Wharf on Monday, was buried yesterday. Mr.' White was very popular in Auckland, 1 and the cortege included many prominent business men. A striking tribute to his sterling qualities was paid'by Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. Had it uot been for the effects of a severe wound sustained in France, Mr; White would probably have survived. He was 30 years of age. Although only 18 when he joined the Army he was. sent to Franca with the 14th Reinforcements. He reached the rank of corporal, and had been already recommended for promotion when he was eefiously wounded at Messines. Both legs were broken by shrapnel and be was accordingly invalided home. Before the war he had been employed by Mr. J. E. Cowell, ironmonger, of Onehunga, but was unable to resume his position. When he returned in 1918, he assisted his father, Mr. C. W. White, to run the launches Awhitu and Oallie and it was when be was about to bring back a party of campers in the Gallic that the tragedy occurred. Dropping the hand of his little daughter, he stripped off his coat and was in the water before . anyone else realised what had happened. Until disabled by his wound, for which he had to undergo 13 operations, Mr. Percy White was a keen football player. He played before the war in the Manukau Rovers;, and was a prominent member of Army teams during his war service. He married Miss Charlotte Mahon in 1920 and leaves his wife two little daughters, aged four and six years. An inquest was opened yesterday in Onehunga, before Mr. D. Sutherland, J.P., coroner, and adjourned siimj die.