Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 27 June 1930

Swinton Boy Drowned

Stumble into Canal While at Play.

Mr. J. Kenyon Parker returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned” at the inquest in the Swinton Library yesterday on Horace Hathaway (12), of 23. Thomas Street, Swinton, who fell into the canal near the locks at Bowbroom while playing with other boys on Wednesday evening.

Wm. Henry Hathaway, the father, said a boy told him of the occurrence, and witness was prevent when the body was recovered.

John Gaunt, a 13-year-old boy, 32, Thomas Street, Swinton, said he was with Hathaway and other boys playing “tag” on the canal side. Witness ran across the lock gates, with Hatbawa7 after him. Hathaway stumbled and fell into the canal. Witness could not swim. He and other boys ran for assistance, and had to go a considerable distance to find someone to get Hathaway out.

Lambert Senior, lorry driver, 51, Crossland Street, said he was out for a walk when a boy ran into the yard where he was and said a boy had fallen into the locks. Witness ran at once, cutting across a cornfield to save time, and on arrival at the Bowbroom locks immediately undressed and dived in. He found Hathaway at once, and brought him out. Artificial respiration was tried for half-an-hour or more by police officers and first-aid men, till Dr. Ram arrived and stated the boy was dead.

The Coroner expressed sympathy with Mr Hathaway