ON SYDNEY BEACHES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6544, 28 February 1928, Page 10

ON SYDNEY BEACHES

STUNG BY BLUEBOTTLES. Sydney bestirred itself early, and tens of thousands dressed and breakfasted, their thoughts filled with sunbaking and frolics in the surf, says a Sydney paper. But fate played a cruel trick. All the beaches were crowded and rarely had the green waves looked so Inviting. It w4as an ideal day. People of all ages, and of both sexes, dashed in, and many dashed out again —hurriedly. Bluebottles had a day out. They stormed the beaches in massed formation. Flappers hopped about and squealed; staid old gentlemen suddenly developed such energy as to make one think they had undergone the' monk-ey-gland treatment. It was a bad day for surfers. The cool inviting breakers were regarded hostilely by many who had made contact with the bluebottle hosts. At Coogee over 200 people were treated for bluebottle stings during the day, and 40 sought ambulance ■aid at North Steyne. The bluebottles also made an attack at Bondi. Collaroy and Manly. At Maroubra 20 were treated, and the casualty room at Cronulla was crowded with people all day. On the previous Sunday a Bronte life-saver had to bo treated with morphia following bluebottle stings. Pull of Venom. Though beautiful when seeti' sailing along in fleets before the wind, the bluebottle, known as “Portugese men-of-war” in other parts of the world, packs an enormous quantity of venom into its slender tentacles which arc stiff with stinging cells. These tentacles have been known to be over 50 feet long, and cases have been reported of children having died as a result of the stings, though no adult has been fatally affected. A leading naturalist, when consulted, stated that the best cure for the

sting was dry sand rubbed into the affected parts. Wet sand, he said, was not so effective. The friction, apparently, destroys most of the stings and so minimises the pain. Applications of soda, ammonia, or Condy’s fluid are also effective. Several species, notorious for their stinging properties, are found in Australian waters. Most are a brilliant and beautiful peacock blue, but orange coloured specimens are sometimes seen. A strong undertow swept Maroubra Beach and 20 bathers were brought in by live-savers. Two of tho surfers were carried out over 150 yards, and splendid rescues were effected by LifJ|savers Berecry and Vince Williams. Berecry was sent down to the southern end of the beach with the danger board when ho noticed a man in difficulties. He plunged into the boiling surf, and after a strenuous swim brought tho man to safety. There were many minor rescues on the beaches. Six were in diculties at Bondi, five at Bronte and one at Clovelly. A young girl was knocked out by a "dumper” at North Stcyne.