ACCIDENT AT TOLAGO BAY

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 548, 18 October 1902, Page 2

ACCIDENT AT TOLAGO BAY

The unfortunate man Japoniski, who had his leg badly crushed whilst engaged bush felling at Mr Murphy’s station, was brought to Gisborne by the Waibi yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately tho weather was rough at Tolago Bay when the steamer arrived on Thursday evening, and Japoniski was not put aboard the steamer till yesterday. The unfortunate man’s injuries, eaused by a tawa tree falling upon him, were very serious, tho leg between the knee and the ankle being dreadfully mangled, with the bones so shattered that it was impossible to set them. Tile poor fellow suffered excruciating pain on the journey to Tolago He was carried by stretcher to Tukapau, whereafter a night's rest ho was placed in a dray for conveyance to the township. This method of locomotion, however, proved to be roughor than he could bear, and he had to be again placed in a stretcher and carriod by his mates and others, who kindly assisted. It was out of question to attempt to bring him to Gisborne by vehicle, and arrangements were made by Mr Mutphy with Mr W. Miller, agent for the company holding the nccident insurance policy, to charter the Waihi. It was most unfortunate that the steamer was delayed by bad weather. Tile injured man was conveyed to the Hospital at half past four yesterday afternoon, and in the evening the leg was amputated, the operation being performed by Dr. Morrison. The latter was assisted by Drs Cole, Fisher, and Williams, and also Dr Hutton, of Wanganui, who is on a visit to this district. The operation was most successfully performed, but tho weak state of the injured man gave rise to a good deal of anxiety.

At a late hour last evening, tho Matron of the Hospital informed us that Japoniski was doing as well as could be expectod, but was still in a critical state.