The Castlecliff Incident.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13333, 23 March 1911, Page 8

The Castlecliff Incident.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir?—ln my letter of last evening with reference to the rescue of Mr Brown, I was in error in attributing to Captain McIntyre the statement with reference to Hie cause of Mr Brown falling into the water. Captain Mclntyre was on the beach, and not oil the breakwater, and consequently did not sea that portion of the occurrence. Tlie information about Mr Brown’s gymnastic feat was given to me by other witnesses, and this has since been substantiated by your own informant yesterday morning. I have Captain Mclntyre’s authority for saying that the other particulars in my letter with reference to the rescue are correct. It is not necessary to discuss with Mr Brown the question of ti;o life-saving gear and its-safe custody ted control. I would, however, say that the lifebuoy used to rescue him was :;£antd from the front of the club’s shed, where it always hangs. It could have been obtained from there at any moment. Mr Brown is entirely responsible for the iiu fortunate position in which lie found himself, and can consider himself 'inky u at he got ashore at all.—l am, etc., DAVID McFARLANE, President, Castlecliff S.B C.

TO THE EDITOE. Sir, —Having perused the various letters which have appeared in your paper re Mr Brown being nearly drowned at Castlecliff, 1, along with a good many others, expected to see an apology from Mr McFarlane in this morning’s paper, which is undoubtedly due to Mr Brown. It is quite evident he has rushed into print apparently more for spite than to prove Mr Brown’s statement incorrect. He also says the least any decent fellow could say would be “Thank you.” Well, I think it he were half-drowned, as we are led to believe Mr Brown was, I think he might also find his presence of mind none too good under those circumstances. Mr Brown is a perfect stranger to me, and I have no desire to know* the other; yet, like many more, 1 prefer to believe Mr Brown’s statement, and whether he was showing off or not is no excuse for the life-saving gear being locked up, more particularly as it was bought by public subscription. Tile Council would do well to inquire into. th is matter, and find out whether this lifesaving gear has only been procured for a few’ or for the general public. As for Mr Xewcombe, he only did his duty io a drowning man, whether he entered the water or only went to procure a rope, and I feel sure he had no desire to see h:s name in print, hut others have song it to make special mention of it, in order to hide the fact that the life-saving g ■ ar, which is public property, was locked vp. Mr McFarlane seems to think tiiat if a man, through his'own foolhardiness, places his life in danger, lie should be allowed to finish the act. Let me advise Mr Brum, in conclusion, not to take' a risk Fke ’.hat again, if he has to depend on men ; ke Mr McFarlane to save his life.—l am, etc., TAMES JACivSON. Aramoho, March 23, 1911.