TO RESCUE HIS DOGS.

Shannon News, 20 February 1923, Page 2

TO RESCUE HIS DOGS.

MAN BRAVES/ FLOODED RIVER. A remarkable case of. devotion to two dogs which, is probably unparalleled in ;the Dominion occurred near Taumarunui last week, during the heavy flood which brpught the Wanganui River up 'to an abnormal flood level. ••

At the spot where the incident occurred the river is spanned by a shaky hand-made swing bridge, and so high was the river that the narrow bridge was submerged, its flooring torn away and the wires more or less tangled. ■■■■.'■_■ '

r A settler's dogs were tied up on the low land across the : river, and ia danger of a speedy and certain drown, ing. Against all efforts at dissuasion, the settler climbed out on the swaying wires, which were in constant peril of being swept away* by logs rushing down the swollen water. In addition, the intrepid, man, took a considerable risk of becoming fouled in the wires and drowned. At one point his foothold on tns treacjherous bridge was so deep in the river: that only his head was visible, and he appeared to have the greatest difficulty in maintaining his hold. He battled through the flood, however; and soon after was seen -leading a pair of joyously capering: dogs io higher land and safety, - apparently unconcerned at the perilous journey he had just accomplished.