A SAD TRAGEDY.
HEROIC RESCUERS AT WORK. A double tragedy, attended by very sad circumstances, but relieved by acts or" heroism, occurred at a selection about seven miles from Warwick (Queensland) recently. Mr. G. H. Ford is the owner of a prickly pear selection, on which is a well 45ft deep. For some time it had t not been yielding much water, so Mr. Ford, sen., and his son (aged 28) decided to investigate. The latter was standing at the windlass, and there were also present the wives of both, and Mrs. Hockey, daughter of Mr. Ford. A rope was used for lowering. It had a loop at the end fur a foothold. After a few minutes at the bottom Mr., Ford, sen., became distressed by foul gas, and called out for the rope, which was dangling in the well. His son went down hand over hand. He tied the rope round his father and signalled to the women at the top to haul him up. This was successfully done, Mr. Ford being in a perilous condition. The rope was again lowered for the son. but the deadly gas had clouded his consciousness. However, he placed his foot in the loop and wns Mound Uy. When about (ift from ihe surface be war, so overcome that he fell back to the j bottom.
The women sought help, which enmi from a man named Watson, who descended to effect a rescue. His gallantry was of no avail, as he found ho had to retreat owing to the poisonous atmosphere. When lifted a short distance he asked to bo lowered, as he could holdon no longer. Accordingly the rope was played out, and Watson went to his doom. In the meantime other help was' summoned. Several men arrived, and a young man named F. W. Whit was lowered, but was pulled out gasping. Then J W. MacKenzie made an attempt. He succeeded in reaching the bottom, and tied a rope round Watson. Mr. MacKenzie was drawn up, followed by Watson's body. Mr. MacKenzie descended a see,-. owl time, and succeeded in bringing up Mr. Ford's body.
The two bodies were removed to the hospital morgue. Mr. Ford was a married man with a wife and one child. Mr, Watson was single.
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Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1917, Page 7
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379A SAD TRAGEDY. Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1917, Page 7
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