GISBORNE NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 10, 6 March 1924, Page 45

GISBORNE NOTES

m (From our own correspondent.) February 20. The bathing fatality which occurred at Waikanae bench on the 6th inst., cast a gloom over Gisborne. The victim of the accident—Arthur Neill, aged 17—was very popular amongst- his schoolfellows at the Gisborne High School, and had just concluded his scholastic course. On the day in question, this usually safe beach for any bather was evidently unsafe, and' the .unfortunate young fellow was carried out to sea by a heavy undercurrent and drowned. Strenuous efforts-' to reach the drowning lad with the ever-ready life-line were made by Mr. Tom Heenoy without avail, Mr. Heeney \ being considerably buffeted by the heavy rollers. A small steamer also made an attempt, but could not stand in close enough on account of the breakers. The body, has not been recovered. Deep sympathy with Mrs. Neill and family in their sad loss is expressed by the whole community.—R.l. P.