FEARED DROWNED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23222, 16 December 1938, Page 10

FEARED DROWNED

AUCKLANDER AT SUVAg FIRE SUPERINTENDENT ACCIDENT WHEN BOATING BODY NOT YET LOCATED Advice of the reported drowning of Mr. George Claude Bright, superintendent of the fire brigade at Sura, was received yesterday by his relatives in Auckland. Mr. Bright, who was 35 years of age, has been in the Suva brigade for 12 years. Tho cablegram containing the news was sent to the Central Fire Station, Auckland, where a brother, Mr. Eric Bright, is employed. The message stated that Mr. G. C. Bright had been reported drowned on Wednesday while boating on tho Eewa River. The body had not been found. Service with Auckland Brigade The message was signed Wise, who Mr. Eric Bright understands is president of the Eire Board. He replied by cablegram requesting further particulars, but no word had been received up to a late hour last night.

Mr. Bright, whose mother, Mrs. H. Bright, lives at 24 Rossinay Terrace, Sandringham, was born at Sydney, but lived most of his life in Auckland, where he was educated. He joined the staff of the Central Fire Station at the age of 21, remaining there until he went to Suva as deputy-superintendent 12 years ago. He later succeeded as superintendent Mr. F. Herring, who is now a member of the "Western Districts brigade. Praise for Work Last Year A popular member of the Suva brigade, Mr. Bright was largely responsible for the inauguration of a superannuation scheme for the staff, to commence in January. He received high praise for his work in the disas-' trous fire at the copra, store of Morris Hedstrom, Limited, in March, 1937, when he severely burned his right arm. Mr. Bright jvas in Auckland last June on furlough. Another brother, Mr. R. W. Bright, was formerly a member of the Auckland Central Brigade. The mouth of the Rewa River, in which the accident was reported to have happened, is about eight miles from Suva. Mr. Bright was an enthusiastic fisherman and frequently spent his periods off duty on this river.