PATEA MAN DROWNED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 270, 15 November 1932, Page 6

PATEA MAN DROWNED

FATALITY AT WHARF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION FAILS (Own Correspondent) PATEA, Nov. 14. While pushing a wheelbarrow along the Patea wharf this afternoon Harold Alorgan tripped on a board and fell into the river, where he was drowned. Morgan was a marriea man, about 26 years of age, with two children both under four years of age. Several attempts were made to bring him to the surface. Afr. F. Sands immediately dived in, being followed by several of the many who witnessed the occurrence. As the tide was practically at its lowest, making a big drop from the wharf to the water, it is presumed that Alorgan became stuck in thp mud and was not able to free himself. He was brought to the surface once with a boat hook, but the body slipped. After half an hour it was again located and brought to land. Artificial respiration was applied by members of the Patea Life-saving Club, but was discontinued after half an hour, life being judged extinct. It is stated that although circulation commenced no action could be gained from the heart. About three years ago Alorgan came Io Patea from Petone to work upon a railway bridge contract and ho remained in the town when that job was finished. He was a promising football player and was a member of the South Taranaki junior representative team, and played several games with the Patea senior team towards the end nf last season.

An inquest will be opened this morning for the purpose of taking evidence of identification only.