HEROISM AT HOMERTON

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6624, 14 September 1908, Page 3

HEROISM AT HOMERTON

G VLLANT ATTEMPT TO EESCUB , SUICIDE. A gallant attempt by an ex-Navy hero to rescue Win. Deau, lorty-oight, a Bethnal Green fish porter, was described at an inquest, at jlackmy, on July titii, when Dean's suicide in the river Lea wot, inquired into. Die widow stated that twelve mouths ago ho had a stroke ox paralysis, but recovered and hud done casual work since, but earned very huhA lad named Percy Jurrctt. of Hoinciton. stated that on the afternoon ot the Bth, deceased asked him how ho could get down on the towing path by HomerYon bridge. Witness showed him the way and the man then said, Xhat s bit way." and pointed to the water. He walked up and down the bank for about twenty minutes and then asked witness to go and get him some rum. By the time witness reached the bridge deceased had thrown himself into the water. Ernest Drown, a labourer, of CJ, JJxickney grove, Mare street, stated that ho was at work on tho Borough Council s wliaiT at liomerton and heard tho boy calling that there was a man in tho water. Witness climbed over a wall and a barbed , wire fence, and after a run of 300 yards plunged into tho water. Ho seized the man just as he was sinking again, and then managed to get him to the hank. Witness’s mates had arrived bv that time, and assisted witness, who was exhausted, ashore. Artificial restoration was resorted to, but without avail. ~ In answer to the coroner, witness said that he was formerly in the Hoyal h-ovy, and last served as an A.B. on hoard H.M.S. Duncan, Two years ago the crew were assisting in salving H.M.S. Montagu, which was wrecked off Lundy Island. Witness volunteered for some rather risky work, and nearly lost liis lit© in consequence. While on a ‘‘canier’— a iron drum—at a great height in tins air, a wire rope attached to a derrick broke. One end struck witness across the face and knocked him insensible into the sea. The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during temporary insanity/'