A NARROW ESCAPE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11162, 18 March 1922, Page 7

A NARROW ESCAPE

LADS JUMP FROM DINGHY LIVES SAVED BY PROMPT ACTION OF SPECTATORS. EXCITING INCIDENT AT KILBIRNIE. Two small boys who had ventured out in a flat-bottom dinghy at Kilbimie yesterday morning have to thank two local residents for saving their- lives, for undoubtedly if prompt action had not been forthcoming a painful drowning fatality would have been recorded. Lawrenoe Hash, a little boy nine years of age, residing at 129, Coutts street, Kilbirnie, together with a companion about the same age, whose name has not been ascertained, obtained a small flat-bottom dinghy and commenced to pull round the boauli. They had not got very far, however (about level with Mr Baillie’s place), when for some unknown reason they became frightened oh the way the small boat was being buffeted by the waves. In desperation one of the lads jumped from the boat into the water, but soon found his way again to the side of •the dinghy, to which he clung. At about this time (8.30 a.m.) some men were going to business when they noticed the dinghy, and simultaneously heard cries. Mr H. B. Edhouse, employed at the D.T.C., despite war disabilities, immediately went into the water fully clothed and swam to the dinghy rescuing the lad who had been, clinging to the side of the boat. Two other men 1 by this time had also plunged into the water. The lad who had remained in the boat, on seeing his .companion being taken to shore, suddenly became frenzied and also jumped into the water, but was soon-rescued. Both boys were unconscious when taken to the beach. The boy Hark was in a somewhat serious condition and was taken to the .residence of Mrs Jones, where first aid and artificial respiration was immediately applied by Mr Atkinson, who happened to be in the vicinity. The other boy Was taken to a house for treatment, hut soon recovered. • Eventually both lads were brought round, and 'axe now progressing favourably, otherwise none the worse for their excellence. Dr. Kemp was summoned and administered treatment.

The promptness of Mr Edhouse was particularly conjmehdable, as his arm had been seriously injured ih the war and caused him considerable inconvenience in swimming to the shore with the hoy. High praise is also due to Mr Atkinson, who acted with such tact in rendering first aid, and to other helpers whose names are not known.