YOUNG MAN LOSES LIFE WHEN SURFING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18939, 9 December 1929, Page 6

YOUNG MAN LOSES LIFE WHEN SURFING.

FATALITY OCCURS NEAR WELLINGTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, December 8. A bathing fatality occurred at Day’s Bay at about four o’clock on Saturday afternoon, when James Watson, aged twenty-four years, believed to have been boarding at Broc.kl\*n, lost his life. It seems that Watson, while bathing in company with several companions, got into difficulties in the heavy surf which was running at the time. His plight was soon noticed, and his friends went to his assistance, and had almost reached the shore when a large wave caused them to leave hold, and Watson was carried away. Dragging operations were commenced immediately, and after a short time the body was found. Curiously enough, death had so changed his features that Watson’s friends did not recognise him for some time after he was brought ashore. Artificial respiration was applied without avail, and Dr Shand could only pronounce life extinct. Deceased, who had no relatives in New Zealand, came out from Ireland three and a half years ago. He was connected with the Salvation Army, and played the tenor horn in one of the city bands.