Arapuni.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 271, 17 January 1929, Page 1

Arapuni.

THE GAMP 000.

INJURED BY CAR.

4 Arap uni’s Canine Friend.

On Sunday general regret was expressed by workers at Arapuni when it became known that the camp dog, “ Starkey,” had been seriously injured by a car. A general favourite in No. 2 camp, and fathered by all the workers, OQhore especially the cooks, the dog, "which. is a handsome cattle dog of tan colour, has a bit of a history. Shortly after the Arapuni works v.ere started, the dog, then a stray, ~by some mischance got into the boiling ” waters in the gorge. One of the workmen named Stark, a wellknown character for his dare-devil deeds in the late war, and who addresses the late Prime Minister and Minister for Finance as Gordon and Downie, whenever he desires a job or help, seeing the dog was drowning, immediately plunged into the waters and rescued it. The assistance given ■was stated by those who witnessed the occurrence to be extremely foolhardy, as it was done at great personal risk. However, the deed was typical of Starkey,” as he was called, and made light of by him in his xsual nonchalant way. From that day, some three years ago, the dog became a recognised “ permanent ” at the works, and was named after his rescuer. A collar, was provided for him, and be was elected a member of the mess. Reciprocating his kind treatment. “ Starkey ” entered into all the ffilfcports indulged in by the men, more especially cricket and Soccer football, at which he became adept. “ Starkey’s ” fielding of the cricket ball sfWd his heading of the Soccer ball were great features of the camp dife, and his capabilities in this direction were shown to visitors with pride. Hot shots would be grabbed on the ground or in the air with the cleanness of the expert fielder, and the ball returned to the bowler, but it was perhaps at Soccer that “ Starley ” excelled. The bouncing round ball would be headed time after time in a manner that compelled admiration, while a distant kick would see the hall fielded up by the lace and returned to the field of play, vi. Thorn was no more enthusiast 1 ..: “ sport ” at Arapuni than “ Starkey.” He was an institution in the camp, and his serious injury has caused genuine sorrow. It appears “ Starkey ” was gamboling on Sunday with two other dogs, cn the road behind a motor bus, which bus moved on at the same time as a car came by. The latter was on top of the dog before the driver saw it, with the result that “ Starkey ” was seriously injured, and is not expected to live. On Monday he was visited by Mr. Valentine, of Putaruru, at the wish Jpof the men, and received treatment. Hopes are held out that he may yet recover.