LOST IN THE BUSH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3562, 23 September 1916, Page 5

LOST IN THE BUSH.

A SOLDIER'S FSGHT FOR LIFE

WANDERING FOR 1C DAYS

(Per Press Association),

INV.EIICARGILL, September 22

The Orepuki correspondent of the "Southland Times" gives a graphic description of a hard fight for life which It. Cargiil has just gassed through in an endeavour to get through on the overland track from Puysogur Point. Cargiil is one of the Main Body returned from Anzac. and sent down six weeks ago in indifferent health, and was returning to offer his services again. He states that he never had such a fight for his life, not even on Gallipoli, as he has had to pass 'through, lately. He loft the lighthouse on September 5 with five days' food, which under ordinary circumstances is ample. All went well the first clay, and he was rejoicing in the walk and the splendid track, which was much improved by the Government last summer. That night snow came on. making it impossible to start for a couple; of days; and then when he did start, what a scene ! The bush was down everywhere, the track absolutely covered up, and the telephone lino down from end to end.

Asked why he did not turn t>nck at this stage, being only one "day from the point, he replied: "Because I am not the turning back sort, and also I did not know what w:>s ahead, or I could not have got ' back quick enough." *

■ After his food was done, which was several days beforo reaching Big River, Cargill seems to have only a hazy idea of what happened. He was continually climbing over logs and finding means to cross swollen creeks, which had all become raging torrents. He can remember crossing two by hanging on %> the telephone wire, which was down. He had to spend night after night under the trees, not being able to roach the linesmen's huts.

At one hut he came across some old flour, which the linesmen have since told him was crawling. However, ho made a. feed on flour and water. At another place he got a fish and ato it raw. After this his sufferings were severe, and he has not much, recollection of anything until found by linesmen Donaldson and Smith.

By this time ho'was unable to give any cloar statement, as Jip had been out 16 days; and•■'must have plugged along for days in,this state. At the time of rescue lie was done, but he had managed to get- within about 15 miles of open country at Blue Cliff. Cargill expresses thanks to Donaldson and Smith for all they did for him, as they had gone through a most trying day themselves beforo coming across him. He says he knows ho would not have won through only for them.