MOTOR LAUNCH' INCIDENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2924, 30 March 1910, Page 36

MOTOR LAUNCH' INCIDENT.

RESCUE FROM DROWNING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, March. 28. A launch party had a little more excitement- yesterday than was expected when they set out in the morning for a run' np the Wa'itemata. When near Wallis Point the launch was brought to anchor, it being the intention to laud and have dinner ashore. As the tide was too low to permit of the launch being taken alongside the pier at the point, a start was made to row some of the party ashore in a dingey" and it was while this was being done that what might easily have proved a fatal accident occurred. By some means a young lady named Miss Katie Gifford had the misfortune to fall overboard, whereupon- Mr W. D. Lysaght (traffic manager for the Auckland'Tramway Company), who was rowing, promptly jumped in to the rescue. As there is a very strong current at Wallis Point, it was soon evident that Mar Lysaght, although a fairly good swimmer, would have all his,work cut out to reach the nearest land after getting a grip of the young, lady. Therefore Mr R. Shepherd' (a school teacher, of, Hamilton) also plunged in to the assistance of' the other two. The water where the accident occurred is about 20ft deep, and appeals to have a strong undertow, and as botbi men were encumbered with all .their clothing, including boots, the work of rescue was rendered more difficult; but after a sharp, short struggle the three landed safely on the nearest rocks. Mr Riddell, who resides near Wallis Point, took the drenched launchers to bis residence, where they were most kindly treated, and furnished with dry clothing..