A SHETLANDER'S TRYING EXPERIENCE.

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 83, 30 May 1902, Page 4

A SHETLANDER'S TRYING EXPERIENCE.

Some trying experiences were related by a footsore traveller, who -was directed to the care of the Glasgow police Officials' recently. He ! was a you n g*m§h etlan d er, who had left his northern home over two years ago in a steam trailer, the Lily, belonging to the "Wick Steam Navigation Company. With'a crew of-nine, the boat set out for the south, but when nearing Yarmouth a disastrous explosion occurred on board the trawler, which became a total wreck. Six of the crew were killed—including the father of the young man in question—while the three others were seriously injured. Fortunately, a local trawler was in the vicinity at the time, and conveyed the sufferers to Yarmouth, whence they were afterwards taken to London. The young Shetlander had become blind as the result of his injuries, and was consequently admitted to St Bartholomew’s Hospital. There be underwent several operations, and had hrs sight partially restored. After many weary months at the institution he was sent to a convalescent home in the metropolis, from which he was discharged only a month ago. Having been unable to establish communication with his ~elatives in Yell Island, the Shetlander—now wearing spectacles---set out on foot for the north. He had walked right up through England, and travelled from Mouchline to Maryhill, where he was pointed out to the police as “a young man who had lost his road.” He was seeking his way to Dunkeld, where he is^hopeful of meeting some relatives who formerly resided there. As bo was completely worn out, the officials offered to shelter him. The offer was gratefully accepted, and the weary Shetlander for the first time in his life slept under a police roof.