THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE BULLER TRACK.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 403, 14 November 1868, Page 7

THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE BULLER TRACK.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times and Charleston Argus.)

Sir, —In your issue of to-day (Saturday,) I see a paregraph referring to an accident which occurred on the Nelson track. It says, " that a man named Curtis broke his thigh on Thursday last, four miles up the Buller track, and lay there through the Eight until yesterday morning, when he was discovered by a passer-by who came down and reported the occurrence at the Camp." Thus far your reporter has been misinformed, for the facts of the case are these,: —A man named John M'Cardy left Westport on Thursday in company with another, named Adam, and when they had proceeded five miles up the track M'Cardy slipped from a log bridge and sustained the injury above referred to. If this were the only inaocuracy in the paragraph I should not have troubled you, but the fact is, that Adam proceeded up the road to French's ferry and gave information of the accident, and I think

the public should know that French and his partner, Moore, proceeded to the spot at once, with Adam, a distance of six miles in a pouring rain, taking with them their own blankets and a tent for the relief of the sufferer, and after arriving and erecting the tent Moore proceeded to the Junction Store, a distauco of three miles, in a dark rainy night to procure some refreshments for the poor fellow. Thoy expected, however, to be able to leave for the Bailor at daylight, but a flood in the creeks prevented them, and Adam then went to report the circumstance at the Oinp. Every praise is due the authorities for the promptitude with which they sent help, as well as to the two officers Pane and Irwin who were, selected to carry out the object, and who so well conducted it that before dark M'Cardy was safe in the Hospital. There are few in Westport who can fully . understand the energy required to take a sick man on a lifter for three miles, crossing several creeks in a fresh with the water in some of them breast high and then in a flooded river landing safely in Westport. Erench and Moore were for twenty-four hours drenched with rain, without food, without fire, in attendance on the sick man, as also his fellow traveller, Adam, with the exception that the latter was some of the time travelling. But for all that dreary we 1 ; night of Thursday they sat by, anticipating the wants of their charge without the power of helping. In striking contrast to the conduct of these men, was that of one who passed with a knowledge of the accident. Looking at the man who was at the time rendered unconscious from suffering, passed by on the other side, as he said that to enquire of him and discover his wants would incur some trouble and, perhaps, outlay/ o£ money. I am, Sir, Yours &c., One who Lent a Hand.