DROWNING FATALITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2090, 16 January 1908, Page 3

DROWNING FATALITY.

[To Tim Editor.] Sir,—A suggestion in this morning’s “Times” that tho conduct of Trooper Irwin in recovering tho body of the little girl Gladys Brown, who was drowned in the river on Monday, should -reeoivo recognition, appears to bear tlio brand of genuineness, though it is just possible it is written in a satirical vfiin. Anyhow, it- must have struck most readers of v-our report of the drowning tin! when Trooper Irwin was despatched to the scene of the unlor-lun-ate occurrence lie secured a bathing suit before entering the water. The ordinary individual would have plunged in—oven if in his best attire—without any parleying about suitable swimming apparel. In cases of this kind, where it- is on record that the apparently drowned, who have been in the water for even half an hour, and have then recovered by the aid of artificial respiration, no time should be lost in useless ceremonies by the police, more especially as a "trooper’s almost skintight wearing apparel when on duty Is provided «t Government- expense. In anv case this officer was only do-

ing a duty that lie is paid to do, and if a special reward is t-i* be made for services rendered, it- would be just as well to reward policemen every time they make a gallant- -arrest of some poor unfortunate drunk, or lunatic. —1 am, etc., ANTI-ITUMBUG. Jan. 15, 190 S.