DROWNING FATALITY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11656, 22 October 1923, Page 4

DROWNING FATALITY

TRACEDY AT MUTT RIVER CLAIMS YET ANOTHER BATHING VICTIM. VAIN EFFORTS AT RESCUE. The Ilutt river claimed another viow tim Yesterday afternoon, when a lad named Alfred Ernest McMuHin waa drowned while bathing near Gear Island. About three o’clock in the afternoon tlie deceased, who was IS years of age. went with Kenneth Hugh Gough, aged 16, and Cecil Coates, aged 14, to a swimming pod in the vicinity of Gear Island. MoMullin was the first to undress, and after diving in commenced to swim across the river. He had not swum very far. however, before he wink, and Gough, realising his friend's danger, dived after him. but was unsuccessful in recovering him. A Maori lad named Robert Tovoy also aided in the search, but it was not until after five minutes had elapsed that the body was located and brought ashore. ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION FAILS. One of the boys immediately went for Dr. Dudley, while the other two tried artificial respiration, but all efforts were in vain. RELATIVES UNKNOWN. The deceased had no relatives in the district, and at present it is not known where they can be located. He was employed by Mr James Coates, of Lower Hutt, and resided with his employer.

Mr \Y. G. Riddell, S.M., will hold an inquest on the body this morning.