WANGANUI SENSATION

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12406, 27 March 1926, Page 4

WANGANUI SENSATION

MAN JUMPS INTO RIVER SECOND LIFE LOST IN ATTEMPT AT RESCUE. Per Press Association. Wanganui, March 26. A sensation was caused at the Town wharf to-day, when a man, at present unknown, jumped from the Town bridge. Three men immediately entered the river. One of these was W. Hamilton, a boy of 19, employed as an A.B. on the steamer Invercargill. ■ Hamilton wap seen to swim in the direction of the man, who was still floating, and was then carried down the stream opposite the Ngatiawa, which was berthed below the Invercargill, and then ho suddenly sank. —- Another man, N. Rowe, got out as far. as the person who had jumped off the bridge, hut was unable to retain hold of him, and he sank, i Dragging has commenced for the two bodies. There was a strong ebb tide at the time.

A later message states that the man who committed suicide by jumping into the -Wanganui river is believed to be Alexander Mitchell, horse trainer, who recently lost an action for breach of contract, in connection with the racing filly Demine. The parents of William Hamilton, who attempted a rescue and was drowned, reside at Newtown, Wellington.