HEROIC RESCUE

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 July 1935, Page 8

HEROIC RESCUE

BATTLE WITH THE SURF BOY BROUGHT ASHORE A sev eu ycais old boy, named Ala:. Finnaiuq cl Bondi, Sydney, was swept out to sea by a huge wave at Bundi iccciilly. His life was saved by Air. John Becby, who ivught his wav out Joy ds. through the suri. Air. Bccby made two attempts be--I’oie he succeeded in rescuing Einnane. On the first attempt he was picked up by a wave and hurled on IHe rocks. 11c was injured, but gallantly made a second attempt. Finnane and an eleven years old Incnd wcie seeking money, which is often uncovvred in the sand by heavy seas. The boys were as close as possible lu the edge of the water and often Had to run back to escape especially large waves. One huge wave over whelmed the two boys. Finnane was swept away, but his companion scrambled ashore. Mr, Becby was watching the breakers when he saw Finnane lying unconscious and face downward about 50yds. from the rocks at the south end of the beach. H« realised that he could net swim with his clothes weighing him down, so he removed them and plunged into the surf. He was badly buffeted and had swum ony a few yards when he was caught. in the .'.willing water ami carried toward the rocks. He was helpless when a wave lifted him and threw him on the locks. His legs, hands and body wen? cut and bruised. Me clung to a rock until the wave receded and then 'bagged himself tu- his feel. Finnane was still drifting. Mr. Bceby dived off the K'ck, ami the undertow drevv him toward the boy, whom he reached after a struggle. They were both caught by a wave. Beeby maintained his grip on the boy and 'when the wave receded he felt sand under his feet. Waves broke over him several times, but he reached the beach, where a crowd of men and women had gathered to watch him Finnane wa.s unconscious, but, his eyes opened when two men applied i'Cmusi-i lat ion methods. He was admitted to a hospital suffering Iron the effects of his immersion, but his eon dition soon showed an improvciueil.