RESCUED FROM DROWNING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20190, 30 August 1927, Page 10

RESCUED FROM DROWNING.

THREE MEN IN DIFFICULTIES. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, August 29. Three men had a miraculous escape from drowning on Muriwai Beach. They were Messrs Tibby, Hilton, and Richards, of Waimuku. They were fishing with a net above the creek on the beach yesterday 'afternoon. The net had just been laid, and Mr Hilton iyas at the end farthest from the shore. Three largo waves in succession swept Mr Hilton off his feet. Mr Tibby let go the net to go to Mr Hilton’s assistance, with the result that all three men lost their foothold. The net then became entangle, round Mr Hilton. Luckily Mr Bert Fletcher, of Waimuku, rode on to the beach at that moment. He immediately went to the rescue. He reached Mr Tibby, and brought him safely into shallow water, where another member of the party, Mr Le Vesque, took charge of him. Mr Fletcher next rode to Mr Hilton. The horse was swept off its feet, but recovered its .foothold. Mr Fletcher reached Mr Hilton as the latter became unconscious, and brought him to the beach. He then returned for Mr Richards. By the time the last man had been brought in half an hour had elapsed since the accident occurred. Mr_ Hilton was the only ne who could swim, but entangled in the net he was helpless. Great praise is due to Mr Fletcher, who is a well-known athlete and representative footballer, for his great effort. The three men would without doubt have lost their lives but for Mr Fletcher’s gallant rescue.