DISAPPEARED IN SURF

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20463, 1 April 1938, Page 8

DISAPPEARED IN SURF

MRS W. R. SHATTOCK’B DEATH VERDICT AT THE INQUEST (Special to Times) TAURANGA, Thursday A verdict in accordance with "the medical evidence that deceased died of sudden strain on a damaged heart together with the shock of immersion was returned by the coroner, Mr C. T. McFarlane, at the inquest to-day into the death of Mrs Ellen M. Shattock, of Hamilton, who disappeared while bathing at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. William R. Shattock, of Hamiton, husband of deceased, said his wife could swim fairly well. When he realised that she was in difficulties he returned with the childre.n to the (beach and called oiut to some men for assistance. He then went back to help his wife. When about 20 yards from her he saw her disappear. He searched but could not find her. There was a strong undertow and it took him all his time to get back to the shore. Witness said the life-saving reel was run out and a number of men searched for Mrs Shattock. Her body was washed on to the beach about"threequarters of an hour later, not 300 yards from where they had been swimming. Dr. W. P. Wallis said he had formed the opinion that Mrs Shattock was drowned fairly quickly, owing to her heart not being sound. She had a previous history of rheumatic fever. Mrs G. L. Wills, of Hamilton, said she was standing waist deep in water and Mrs Shattock was about 12 strokes away, swimming parallel to the beach. She called out that she was going and witness swam out to her. When witness touched her on the shoulder a huge wave came and that was all witness could remember. Witness had to be assisted to the shore.