INVOLUNTARY BATH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20898, 30 November 1937, Page 8

INVOLUNTARY BATH

PORT HEALTH OFFICER By Telegraph— Press Association AUCKLAND, November 29. While stepping on to the Customs launch after clearing the Matua in the stream early this morning, the Port Health Officer, Dr. G. Graham Russell, fell into the harbour and was rescued by a member ,of the Matua’s crew. A strong current was mainly responsible for the mishap, as the launch was moving when Dr. Russell made to step on to it and lost his balance, A lifebuoy and rope were quickly thrown from the launch to Dr. Russen, who was in the water for some minutes before being assisted on to the launch by a man who dived in to rescue him. He suffered slight bruises to a hip and knee, and said to-night he felt no other ill-effect from the accident. “I was fortunate to lose nothing,” said Dr. Russell. “Even ray watch has not stopped.” Dr. Russell was taken ashore on the launch and changed into dry clothes, which were obtained from a nearby ship until a fresh suit arrived from his own home. Meanwhile it was necessary for Dr. E. Vivian to board the Aorangi and pass her as she berthed at the Princes Wharf.