A GALLANT RESCUE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1903, 31 March 1880, Page 3

A GALLANT RESCUE.

"From the Little Eiver correspondent of the " Geelong Advertiser."]

Wyndham was the scene of a piece of daring courage and intrepid bravery on the 28fch ult. well worthy of the attention of the Humane Society. On that date and the two previous days there had been a heavy fall of Tain at Wyndham and on the plains, but up to 4 p.m. on the day in question the water in the Werribee river remained at its ordinary level, exhibiting no appearance of a ohange. It was about this time, or perhaps nearer halfpast 4, that a ohild of about eleven years of age, daughter of Mr O'Brien, of Wyndham, was returning home from the township, crossing the river a Bhort distance below the bridge at a bank in the centre of the stream, known as McDonald's Island. Lingering a few moments on the bank, the little girl was suddenly roußed from her reverie by a heavy rushing noise, and on looking up the river the sight she saw paralysed her. Within less than 100 yards from where she stood was a mighty torrent of water roaring downwards towards her with an irresistible impetuosity. The cries of the child attracted the attention of a numerous body of electors at the East Wyndham polling booth, it being the day of the general election, who immediately hastened to the spot, but such was the rapidity of the current at either side of the island that even a strong swimmer could not with safety venture into the v/ater, the island's resistance to the stream giving increased impetus to the torrent. The steady rising of the waters continning, the ohild was in an extremely dangerous position on the island, unless immediate succour was given. At this moment a young man named Canny put in an appearance, and perceiving at a glance the necessity for instant action, he without hesitation dashed his horse into the foßming waters, and with difficulty reached the terrified girl. Placing her before him on the saddle, ho prepared to return to the shore, but unfortutunately, when about half-way on the journey, the horee was drawn into a whirling eddy, and not being able to recover himself, sank beneath the surface, carrying with him his precious burden also. Exclamations of horror burst from the now assembled crowd, but happily their anguish was only momentary, for several yards down the river Canny again came to the surface, the noble fellow making desperate efforts to reach the shore, holding the child in one arm and swimming with tho other, he having parted company with his steed when down on tho diving expedition. The shock of the submersion had apparently weakened Canny, a powerful swimmer, for though he struggled hard, he could only with difficulty keep himself above water. Those present, not being swimmers, were utterly powerless to assist in any way in laving Canny or his companion from what appeared to be inevitable drowning, and their state of mind may be imagined as they saw the man's struggles becoming weaker and weaker, yet still bearing his now insensible burden. At this opportune moment mounted-constable M'Kenzie, of Wyndham, arrived on the scene, divested himself of his clothing, and was soon breasting the flood. He was almost in the act of grasping Canny's arm, when the brave young fellow sank for a second time. Excitement was now raised to the highest pitch, the loss of two lives being looked upon as certain. Canny, presently, however, rose again, still maintaining possession of the child, when M'Kenzie instantly seized him, and brought the pair to land. Cheers and blessings greeted the gallant constable as he cime to the shore. For a considerable time fears were entertained for the child's recovery, she being quite insensible, and it was with extreme difficulty she could bo made to relinquish her hold of Canny's garments. The necessary appliances, however, being at hand, animation was restored, and she soon recovered. Canny, too, was very weak, and although not exhibiting any visible, effects at the time, he suffers from a terrible shock to his system.