FALL OVER CLIFF

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 62, 14 March 1934, Page 16

FALL OVER CLIFF

FARMER GRAVELY HURT

UNCONSCIOUS IN WATER

Through falling COft over a cliff at the Okahau Falls, near Kaitaia, a farmer, 'Mr. W. Flynn, of Lamer's Road, about eight miles from the township, roceived serious injuries to the spine and possibly internal injuries. In addition he was badly bruised, states the "New Zealand Herald." Mr. Flynn was acting as guide to a picnic party which was visiting the falls on Saturday morning, and was walking along the top of a rock' face when he slipped. He rolled for part of the way, but the lower-portion of the cliff is perpendicular, and he fell straight down into the water. At great risk to themselves, Mr. T. Flynn, a son of the injured man, and Mr. H. Kirtlan, clambered down the face of the cliff-and dragged Mr. Flynn, who was unconscious, from the water. Had he not been rescued at once he would" certainly have been drowned. Nurse Sim, a member of the party, rendered first aid, and a party of neighbouring farmers was organised to carry Mr. Flynn through the bush. The accident occurred in rugged bushclad country, which is a water reservo area vested in the Kaitaia Town Board. The stretcher-bearers were faced with a very strenuous task. A track had to be cut through the scrub in front of the bearers, and the party took two hours to travel three miles. On arrival in open country Mr. Flynn was taken to Mr. J. T. Clark's home, where he was attended by Dr. S. Tbrrie, of Kaitaia. He was then taken by motor-lorry to his home about a milo away. As he was so seriously injured it was not considered advisable to move him to hospital. While clambering down to his father Mr. T. Flynn received a severe cut in* the left ankle, necessitating several stitches.