WEDDING PARTY IN A WELL.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 538, 26 June 1880, Page 3

WEDDING PARTY IN A WELL.

An accident of a very singular nature, which fortunately did not terminate with any fatal results, is reported by the Taranaki Herald. At about 3.30 p.m. a few days ago, Mrs Farrendon, who was one of a wedding party at the house of Mr Charles Ratford, Gover-street, New Plymouth, had occasion to go to the well, situated in the yard at the rear of the house, and while in the act of drawing up a bucket of water, her foot slipped and she fell down the well, a distance of 25 feet. Mr Ratfofd came to the rescue, and singular!}’ enough he had no sooner reached the well, than, through excitement or some other cause he fell down also. An alarm was raised, and quite a large assemblage, soon gathered round the well.' Both persons were observed struggling in the water, about five feet deep.;; Mr Camel 1 (bridegroom of the wedding, party) lowered himself by a rope, and fastened it round Mrs Farendon, who was drawn to the top in a very exhausted state, having been partly stunned by the man falling on her. The rescue of Mr Ratford, however was not so easily accomplished. Mr- Camel 1 first tied the ropo

round Ratford’s bodv, but after being raised n few yards, the rope paired, and She unfortunate Eatford was again in the wafer. Mr Camel! descended the well again, and told Eatford to catch bold of Ibe rope, which Eatford did, hut when about half way up he let go his hold, and was once more submerged. Cornell went down the third time, tied the rope round Rat ford’s body, under the armpits, and he was by this means safely drawn up. When rescued Ratford was nearly insensible. No serious injuries were received, but the wedding festivities were “ ruthlessly marred” by this strange accident.