Newspaper Article 1917 – Mr Duke Sheild’s Death

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

MR DUKE SHIELDS’ [SHEILD’S] DEATH.

Further particulars of the death by drowning at Gisborne of Mr Duke Shields, of Waikonini, Hawkes’s Bay, show that on Sunday forenoon Mr Shields, Mrs Shields, and their children and Messrs J. W. and F. W. Nolan went down to Sponge Bay, not far from Messrs Nolans’ and Wallis’ residences.  Mr F. W. Nolan and deceased went for a swim and, after they had gone out a short distance, Mr Nolan observed that his companion, who was not a strong swimmer, was in difficulties and, proceeding to his assistance, he succeeded in catching hold of Mr Shields and was assisting him ashore when a big wave caused them to become separated.  Mr Nolan made a further attempt, but another big wave intervened.  By this time the would-be rescuer was exhausted, and had to be helped ashore.  Deceased then disappeared.  Two other men swam out and attempted to find Mr Shields, but without success, although he was last seen only about two chains out from the rocks.  In the meantime a constable arrived with ropes and a lifebuoy and continued the search.  Shortly after the body was secured and brought ashore.  Dr. Wilson arrived and applied artificial respiration for about an hour without avail.  It is stated that there was no undercurrent on the beach, but the sea was fairly rough, and deceased, not being a strong swimmer, got into difficulties with the breakers.

Flags were flying half-mast at Hastings yesterday out of respect to the memory of the late Mr Duke Shields.