A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1158, 9 October 1883, Page 1

A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE.

The Alpine Observer, Bright, Victoria, reports a narrow escape from being frozen to death in u deep snow, which was experienced by Mr J D Ireland, a son of the late well-known barrister. Mr R D Ireland, and brother of Mr C W Ireland, late solicitor at Ashburton. It appears that Mr J D King, manager of the Italian claim at Cobungra, reported that he had found Mr Ireland in an almost inanimate condition, buried in the snow on the Omeo track, about nine miles from Harrietville. He attempted to convey

him to Hanietville, but was, compelled to leave him by the roadside to seek assistance. When Mr King returned with a party, he found that, although not a hour had elapsed, the body was covered with the falling snow. At first doubts were entertained as to the possibility of restoring vitality. The bodv was per. fectly rigid, and all impressions gone from the countenance. In about three tiours Mr Ireland recovered. He states he was desirous of crossing the mountains from Gippsland to the Northeastern district, and left on the morning of the 29th August. He travelled for four days, tho whole time in snow, through the Dargo plains, the track being so badly blazed that be lost himself, and on Saturday, the Ist inst., he returned to his starting place. He made a fresh start on Monday morning 3rd nit. When he got well on to the Dargo plains it began to snow heavily. Bounding Freezeout the snow was chest deep, and he was compelled to crawl on his hands and knees for a considerable distance. Shortly after the snow fell so thick and blew so fiercely in<o his face that he became confused, and knew not where to look for the shelter that he had been striving to get to. His head got giddy, and he was falling over logs and scrub. He ultimately became insensible, and was almost buried in snow. Later accounts state that Mr Ireland succumbed to the effects of the ordeal he had passed through.—Mail.