HEROIC ATTEMPT TO SAVE LIFE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20322, 2 February 1928, Page 10

HEROIC ATTEMPT TO SAVE LIFE.

RETURNED SOLDIER DROWNED. TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, February 1. Over 50 motor cars formed the funeral procession to the Waikaraka Cemeteiy, where Mr Percy White, who was drowned in a heroic attempt to save the life of a child, who fell from Cornwallis wharf on Monday, was buried. Mr White was very popular in Auckland, and the cortege included many prominent business men. A striking tribute to his sterling qualities was paid by Mr W. J. .lordan, M.P. Had it not been for the effects of a severe wound received in France Mr White would probably have survived. He was 30 yeans of age. Although only 18 when he joined the army he was sen.t to France with the 14th Reinforcements. He reached the rank of corporal, and had been already recommended for promotion when he was seriously wounded at Messines. Both legs were broken bv shrapnel, and he was accordingly invalided home. Befoic the war he had been employed by Mr J. E. Cowell, ironmonger, of Onehunga, but was unable to resume his position when he returned in 1918. He assisted his fathei, Mr C. W. White, to run launches at Awhitu and Callee, and it was when he was about to bring back a party of campers that the tragedy occurred. Dropping the hand of his little daughter he stripped off his coat and was in the water before anyone else realised what had happened. Until disabled by his wound, for which he had to undergo 13 operations, Mr White was a keen fontball player. He played before the war in the Manukaii Rovers, and was a prominent member of the army teams during his war service.