Albert Edward Anthony Nield

According to the NZ Herald 29th October 1913:

"A young man named Albert Nield rescued 3 fishermen from drowning at Dargaville on Monday. Another fisherman got ashore after a desperate struggle. They were also working nets in the surf when they were carried out by a strong backwash. The men named Edward Browne, William McDowell and Henry Mitchelson, the latter who had become caught in his net. Browne after a desperate struggle got ashore, very much exhausted but nevertheless tried to carry out a rope to Mitchelson to pull him out but he was too overcome. 

Albert bought in McDowell through the surf who was unconsious. Mr Ross who was visiting Dargaville saw the men and tried to get Mitchelson onto his horse but the animal got away, he was unable to swim but managed to seize his horse and after some time got to safety.

Nurse Bassett who was camping in the vicinity saw in the incident and rendered expert services.

Mitchelson regained consciousness within half an hour but 2 hours of resuscitation was done on McDowell before it was effective. He was bought round at last and both men were taken to Nurse Bassett's camp where they remained under her care for the night. The heroism of Mr Nield has been highly praised and will probably be bought under the notice of the Royal Humane Society, Ross also acted nobly. To the heroism of the rescuers and the nurse's services, the fishermen owe their lives."

Who was Albert Nield? He was born in 1885 in Auckland to parents Thomas Henry Nield and Eleanor Slater. His siblings were George Slater Nield, Thomas William Nield, Charles Wilton Nield, Percy Arthur Nield, Sarah-Annie Walker, Jane Elizabeth Sarich and Leonard Nield. He married Hilda Mayne Camp in 1910  and they had one daughter named Mary Alva Eleanor. If anyone has any further information about Mr Nield please leave a comment.

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