SINGULAR AND PROVIDENTIAL DISCOVERY OF A LOST CHILD.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 184, 22 July 1864, Page 3

SINGULAR AND PROVIDENTIAL DISCOVERY OF A LOST CHILD.

(From a- Correspondent of tho Daily Southern Cross.J VV AKuAivEi Heads, Juno 20. I forward you an account of the loss and eventual recovery of the child of Mr. Finlayson, who resides on the Waipu; and I hope that the energy, perseverance, and neighbourly feeling displayed by the.inhabitants of that place, may incite the settlers in outlying districts (should an event of the same kind occur) to a similar course of action. On May 19th, tho child, who was only 6 years old, by his mother to meet his sister, who was coming from school; but instead of doing so it appears he went to tho bush, which is very dense, in search of berries. When night closed in he had not returned. His mother then sent

messengers to the neighbouring families. They seached the bush all night, but no traces were found, of the child. The next morning a message was despatched to his father who was 20 miles away. He returned immediately in a state of great anxiety and excitement. In the meantime every man and boy in the Waipu turned out to search for the lost child ; and went in threes and fours, shouting out his name, and peering into every nook and corner where they thought it possible be could bo. They tried the whole of the river with poles and hooks ; hut the search on that day was unsuccessful. The nights were piercingly cold, a sharp frost prevailing. On the third day the people went in ranks, about 20 abreast, each one being about Bft. from the other. There were about 300 men out on this day, and the fern and cutting grass was, for a distance of 4 miles, trodden perfectly flat; —but still no child! Four bitter nights and 3 days had the little fellow been away, without food or shelter. Hope began to die in the hearts of some, but “ Persevere” was the cry, “ wo will find him alive or dead.” On the 4th day, the search was continued, and 24 volunteers from Wangarei Heads joined the party, bringing their dogs with them. Not an available man attended church on that day, all were away, on a Christian and mei’ciful errand. The 4th day and sth night passed, but the child was not found. The idea of the majority now was that the utmost they could expect was to find the lifeless body of the boy. On the sth day, a party of 20 men, went to a place where they had before left off searching, about 4 miles away. They formed a rank, and on advancing about i-a-mile. they discovered a track—life and energy were again inspired. When the track was found, 2 men were sent for a week’s provisions, for “ dead or alive he must bo found.” The messengers spread the news concerning the track and its whereabouts, so that more might gather to the spot. About 5 minutes after the discovery, a cry of “ Here he is,” shouted by a man named Donald M’Gregor, created a thrill in the stoutest heart in the party ; and there were stout hearts there. When the boy was first seen a dog belonging to his father was standing by him, wagging his tail. On M’Gregor’s approaching him, he took 3 or 4 steps as if to run way, bending his body and covering his head with his hands. Ho was then caught, stripped and wrapped up in the flannel shirts of the men, his clothes being damp. He said, “ I have no piece of bread.” One of the party gave him a thin slice, which he instantly devoured. They then asked him if he would be frightened should they call out. He said, “No when 3 tremendous cheers resounded through the hills and gullies, which were continued all the way to the father’s bouse. When first found, 4 men were sent to inform the mother, who fainted immediately on being told of her child’s recovery. On the day the boy was found, he seemed to have no idea ot the time that had passed ; imagining that he had only been absent one day. On being asked what he had subsisted on, or whether lie ate any berries, he replied “ I did not taste berries, as I was told they were poisonous ; but when I felt hungry I took a drink of water, which was very sweet.” His feet were much swollen and cut, but otherwise he did not appear the least injured ; nor did his mind seem in any way affected. On that night above 600 human beings went to their beds with lightened minds and grateful hearts.