An Experience during the Recent Storm

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2122, 28 June 1898, Page 2

An Experience during the Recent Storm

The following account of Mr Smales’ experience during the late storm may prove interesting ;—“ The weather was not unfavorable when I left Mr Buckworths house, at Katikati, at 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, hut on arriving at the top of the track it 5 o’clock, the weather seemed to have entirely changed, the wind blowing a hurricane and the rain coming down in torrents. At 5.30 it was pitch dork in the bush, and X had to strike matches to light the way across the numerous creeks that were washed out in the flood of January, 1897. When I arrived at the last creek (the worst of all) I had not another match left, so I dismounted and tried to drive my horse across, but he would not tackle it. I then turned him loose, leaving my saddle on the track. After a couple of hours climbing and scrambling I managed to cross the creek, and made my way as far as the creek that breaks the roadway about half-a-mile from Mr McNicol’s house. I crossed the first and second bends of the creek ail right, but could not find the third and last ford, and after crossing and re crossing the creek 8 or 9 ;imes I gave it up and started coeying, thinking perhaps someone might hear me at the house. It was then about 9.30.; I sang out for about an hour, when I made up my mind that I was out for the night. It was my intension to walk about and keep myself warm, but in the course of my perambulat 0 Ts I stepped into space and pulled up about 30ft lower down, in the creek. I scrambled out and looked •.bout for a sheltered spot, which I found under the bank in some toi-toi, and" wonderful to say, P fell asleep, with my dog curled up alongside to ke* pme warm. I woke up some time inter- to find myself up to my waist in water, the creek having risen all round ne. I shifted my quarters to another spot, where I remained till daylight, wb'S I found the last crossing, but owing to the force of water I was unable to stand against it. I sang out again and soon had the pleasure of seeing Messrs Coyle and Davis coming towards me, and who upon seeing the force of water, told me to go to shelter while they went .hack for a horse. When they returued they were accompanied by Mr Fred Vercoe, on hirspback, who at once rode into the creek, but was forced to go back. He again tried to ride through higher up but was very nearly washed down stream, and my heart sank into my boots , when I saw it was useless t • attempt to cross. They then fetched ropes which they tied together and throw across tome, telling’ine to make' it fast round my waist and they would haul, me across. This I did and was soon standing on terra firma on -The right side of the creek. Mr Coyle took me to his whare and provided me with dry clothes and the use of his hunk, in which I soon fell asleep, waking me up later to have : some breakfast. On the following morning I was none the worse for my experience but for a severe cold and feeling very stiff in the back. I remained at Mr McNicol’s until Saturday after- o noon, when I was driven in to Te Aroha. I feel exceedingly grateful to Mr Fred Vercoe and all the hands at McNicol’s, who were so kind to me and assisted me out of the unpleasant situation I was in. To Mr and Mrs McNicol I think my silence is more eloquent than w-irds, as J was looked after in a way in which all those who have received of Mrs McNicol’s hospitality testify to,’ ’