BUSH ORDEAL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 221, 16 August 1939, Page 4

BUSH ORDEAL

mans fra err red thigh EIGHT DAYS’ AGONY BRISBANE. July 4.—Alter spending eight agonising days crippled in the bush during which, despite a uaetured left thigh, he managed to drag; lti.insell two and a quarter miles to Ins camp, William Mealy Synmnds, prospector and tin miner, of Alt. Garnet, was rescued yesterday and taken to hospital.

During the eight days he was without- food. Air. Symonds said that he left his camp on Sunday, June 2-5. and was looking for tin about- two and a half miles from his' camp when he struck lus foot- on a tussock and screwed his left- left around. He remained* where lu- had fallen all day, and at night dragged himself to some wood, and started a fire. In the morning he started crawling to look for water, throwing the injured leg on top of the sound one. It took 21 hours of painfid effort to find water. The next night he could not find wood to make a fire. On Wednesday lie managed to reach a hut, and on Thursday, tried to make himself splints, but was unable to. do so. He managed to travel 3CO yards on Thursday, and on Friday managed another 100 yards. The next day he travelled five yards, finally reaching liis camp. He was found! on Alonday morning, am.i was taken to Alt. Garnet, later being admitted to Herberton Hospital.