DROWNING FATALITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2491, 3 May 1909, Page 4

DROWNING FATALITY.

MAN OVERBOARD FROM S.S. TUATEA. While the s.s. Tuatea was proceeding down the river at 11 a.m. on Saturday to tender the s.s. Victoria in the bay. the passengers were startled to hear the cry of "Man overboard,” from the stern part of the vessel. It was immediately discovered that the man was one John Watkins, who was in the charge of Constable Dwyer, having been committed to the Avondale Mental Hospital as being of unsound mind. -When the, alarm was given, the engines of the Tuatea were reversed, but by the time she was brought to a standstill the vessel was 1 fully 120 yards away from where the unfortunate man could be seen struggling in the water. A boat- was launched immediately, but when it had got to within about thirty yards of the drowning man he sank and was not seen again. It appears that the deceased, with Constable Dwyer, was seated, on the seat running round the poop deck. He appeared to be rather restless, and was apparently looking for somebody on tife wharf. A moment later, when the tender was abreast of the beacon, ho half stood up and leaned over the side, of the vessel looking along the forepart. Without the slightest warning he threw himself backwards over the side of the vessel, but just as he got over Constable Dwyer managed to grab him by the leg and plnckily held on to him for several seconds. despite the fact that the would-be suicide struggled violently to free? himself. The part of the vessel whore the struggle was taking place was occupied by a number of ladies, and before any assistance could reach the constable- the ( weight proved too much for him, and despite his great efforts he was: compelled to relinquish his hold. When Watkins fell into the river, he was only a few yards from the beacon, and could easily have reached it, hut after struggling tor a .moment he started swimming tip the river towards the wharf. Some men working on the Kaiti side threw him a life-buoy, but either lie did not see it or did not want it. The latter is thought to be the most probable, as the lit e-buoy fell fairly close to him. Almost immediately after, apparently ignoring this means of rescue, the man throw up his arras and disappeared. ’Phe deceased was a sturdily-built man. of -about oft Tin in height, weighing close on thirteen stone, and was 45 years of age. He had recently been working in the Hnngaroa district, but came to town early last week. His particular form of mania was, according to bis own statement, that his deceased brother had appeared to him, and toll him to inspect the railway line. With this object in view, lie set out for To Ivaraka on foot oiR Wednesday. and on arrival there Ins actions aroused the suspicions of some of the residents, who apprehended him. He was subscouently brought into town by Constable Doyle, and, as has been stated, was committed to the Avondale Mental Hospital for treatment. Shortly after the fatality, dragging operations were commenced by the police. and were continued unsuccessfully until dark last evening. Another start will lie made this morning.