TRAGIC FATE OF BUSHMAN

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 133, 13 January 1939, Page 1

TRAGIC FATE OF BUSHMAN

POISONED REACHES ACCIDENT ON MAIL TRIP DARWIN, Dec. 21—Paddy Bennett, one of the best-known Northern Territory bnslnnen. died near Katherine after eating peaches which had become poisoned accidentally. His companion, Monte Sullivan, aged 47, is critically ill in Katherine Hospital: Messrs. Bennett and Sullivan ate the peaches at the week-end when on a “wet-season” packhorse mail trip. On the mail trip the two men carried a hag containing a bottle, of corrosive sublimate tablets, which broke with the jolting of the pack-saddles. The men emptied the hag, but. did not know that some of the tablets had crushed intoi the fabric of the pack. They packed a box of dried, peaches into the bag, and continued their way to Katherine. The rough going burst open the peaches also. When eleven miles from Katherine Messrs. Bennett and Sullivan had breakfast. They cut the poaches with a knife, which had been used lor. putting poison into dingo baits.An hour after eating the peaches Mr.’ Bennett, died and Mr. Sullivan became desperately ill. Despite his agony, Mr. galloped into Katherine, where he was admitted to hospital in a. serious condition. Mr. Bennett was regarded as one of the most excellent bushmen in Australia. He was said to be one of the few mondvlui ctould set- through with mails on the flooded inland trades in the wet season. . t