THE LATE JOHN HIGHET

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8330, 16 January 1913, Page 11

THE LATE JOHN HIGHET

TRIBUTE TO VICTIM OF AVON drowning accident.

Special to the "Times.” CHRISTCHURCH. January 15. Mr T. M. Collins, who bas been president of the Arawa Sailing Glub. Wffilington, and is known as one of the offi ciais in times past of the U Qrt _ son Sailing Club’s regatta, gave a “News" reporter a tribute to the merits of Mr Hichet. who was drowned at New Brighton yesterday while attempting to rescue his sister-in-law. "John Higher." he says. was called affectionately by his 1 nends Ho ppy - The word of his death will come as a shock to his friends in many P ar if Now Zealand. Ho took to the water naturally, and it was a proverb in Wellington at one time that Ms I» w ers coutd not bo surpassed. In tho days before tho association was started he was often a winner at the swimming competitions promoted about Clyde quay. I am certain that no oixlinary happening would have resulted in his death. He was brought up on his father s farm at rtosencath Hills, and from infancy the waters of Oriental Bay were almost a s much qis home as the land. Their boatshed always contained a craft of some sort, and at most of the regattas Jack was to bo found at the tiller of a yacht. He had the reputation of being one of the nest sailing masters ,of the harbour at a time when good men were not scarce. Casual travellers by the ferry boat to Wellington may remember meeting a tiny sixfoot dinghy cruising about the harbour mouth, and tho various expressions ox opinion given as to the intrepid youth whoso wave of hand and cheery smile as he came in close testified to the true pleasure he found his pastime.- From the six-foot dinghy he progressed to various other craft of different merit, and often when a new boat did not come up to expectations his assistance would bo called in and his advice more than once changed a slow craft to one to bo counted with in races."