IN A PYTHON’S COILS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4450, 7 August 1922, Page 2

IN A PYTHON’S COILS.

SIX MEN TO THE RESCUE; Gripped by the coils of a 30ft python. Mr E. H. Bostock, the menagerie proprietor, had a remarkable escape from being crushed to death.

The constrictor was one of three big specimens received recently. It was while the crate was open to inspect the Occupant that the incident happened.

Describing liis adventure, Mr Bostock said, “Six or seven assistants were engaged in hauling ou; the head and anterior coils of the snake so that the mouth could be examined to see that this was quite healthy. The pythep succeeded in throwing a coil between my legs, and I was nearly swept off my fleet. Using my Oegs as a sort of fulcrum, the python was able to use its enormous strength to advantage, and it was as much as the men could do to keep the writhing snake from throwing a coil around me—when, of course, it could have crushed me quite easily.

“I have not forgotten—though it was 40 years ago—'how I was bitten by a diamond boa. Its teeth' broke bff in my hand, and it was months before I got them all out.”

The python, with other animals was being unloaded after a long voyage t'roni the East at a veterinary surgeon’s establishment at Brixton, South London.

“I was trying to examine its mouth,” said Mr Bostock, “when it managed to throw half a coil round my leg. The part it threw was only 4ft from the neck, and they are enormously strong at that ppint.'”