A “ROUND BUSH” EXPERIENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 390, 17 March 1908, Page 3

A “ROUND BUSH” EXPERIENCE.

Two ladies, a gentleman, and a boy of tender years, had the misfortune to get lost recently for a period of over two hours, in what is known as the “ Round Bush,” opposite Mr W. Barber’s property at Motuiti. They entered the bush at the front centre, and contemplated walking out at the south end, but, unfortunately, did not know that in order to accomplish this task, it meant forcing their way through about a quarter of a mile of almost impenetrable scrub or jungle, in which flourishes among the other beautiful shrubs and plants, the wild bramble or “lawyer,” which demands toll of blood and clothes from intruders. For a time the party were fully occupied in admiring the different species of plant life, and collecting specimens. Continuing in an apparently westerly direction, and thinking that every passage forced through a fresh belt, would bring them to the verge of the bush, only to find that they were confronted with even thicker barriers. The little fellow was almost exhausted, and the ladies were just about knocked up, their clothes and hands being torn and scratched by the merciless creeper. The truth at last dawned on them —that they were lost in' the bush! Awful feeling, that! Ask one who has experienced it. The parly sat down for a few moments to consider the situation, and get their bearings by the sun. It was impossible to retrace their steps. The male member then scaled a nearby cabbage tree, but all he could see was bush to the rear, and in front a long stretch of high bush scrub. It was decided to work a passage away from the sun, and after half-an-hour’s fatiguing work, another look-out was SJUght, and from the vantage point, a glimpse was obtained of the Tararuas and railway plantation. This news considerably relieved the feelings of the party, their spirits rose, fatigue, for the time being, was forgotten, and again they pushed forward. To spy out the passage from the tree top was one thing, but to keep in that direction down below, was a more difficult task, Still another tree top was sought, and the gentleman was enabled to pilot the ladies forward by directing their movements until they got safely out, after passing through an experience they are not likely to forget for many years to come. We hear some one saying, “ Fancy getting lost in the ‘Round Bush’ !” Let anyone unacquainted with this bush and its surroundings, wander in without first taking his bearings, and the maze in wonderland would only be a fool to his bewildered senses!