A GRIM STRUGGLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1926, Page 3

A GRIM STRUGGLE.

13ERNE, May 20. A youth named Adam, aged-16, "as ceding down the steep hill which leads to the famous bear-pit here yesterday when his bicycle got out of control and dashed with terrific force against the railings of the pit. Adam collided with a boy of ten named Ellenherger who was standing close by. and both were hurled over the parapet into the midst of the bears.

The keeper immediately directed powerful hydrants upon the animals to try to drive them into their den, hut two of them, Hansi and Joggi, attracted by the scent of blood, refused to leave Ellenberger, who was bleeding freely. Masons who were outside working threw large stones at the brutes but without effect. The keeper then entered the pit and with a heavy pike drove Joggi away, but Hansi refused to leave its prey and dragged the lacerated body into the den.

Following the brute inside, the keeper struck several blows on its skull and. wrested the screaming child from its claws. With the boy under one arm the, keeper fought his way towards

the exit, but on the steps lie was again assailed by another bear which had escaped through the open door and was beaten off only with the greatest difficulty. Meanwhile, Adam had been rescued by ropes. At the first attempt the rope broke and lie fell hack among the animals, but another rope was thrown and he was drawn up before they could reach him. Ellenbcrger died upon admittance to the hospital.