DROWNING ACCIDENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23002, 1 April 1938, Page 11

DROWNING ACCIDENT

MARRIED WOMAN VICTIM EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT J TAURANGA, Thursday An inquest concerning the death of Mrs. Ellon M. Shattock, who lost her life while bathing at Mount Maunganui 011 Sunday, was held before Mr. 0. T. McFarlane, coroner, to-day. Sergeant Henderson represented the police. William R. Shattock, of Hamilton, husband of deceased, said his wife could swim fairly well. When he realised that she was in difficulties he returned with the children to the beach and called out to some men for assistance. He then went back to help his wife. When about 20 yards from her he saw her disappear. He searched but could not find her. There was a strong undertow and it took liim all his time to get back to the shore. The life-saving reel was run out and a number of men searched for Mrs. Shattock. Her body was washed on to the beach about three-quarters of an hour later, not 300 yards from where they had been swimming. Dr. W. P. Wall is said he had formed the opinion tliaf Mrs. Shattock was drowned fairly quickly, owing to her heart not being sound. She had a previous history of rheumatic fever. He attributed death to the sudden strain on a damaged heart, together with the shock of immersion. Mrs. G. L. Wills, of Hamilton, said she was standing waist deep in water and Mrs. Shattock was about 12 strokes awav, swimming parallel to the beach. She called out that she was going and witness swam out to her. When witness touched her 011 the shoulder a huge wave came and that was all witness could remember. Witness had to be assisted to the shore. ' . . The coroner returned a verdict m accordance with the medical evidence.