A SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4255, 10 December 1881, Page 3

A SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

DUNEDIN, Dbo. 9. A very painful accident happened on Wednesday to Mies O'Connor, sister-in-law of Mr D. Sinnott, of Taieri, near Milton, whioh would, without doubt, have resulted fatally had it not been for the courage and presence of mind of ouoof tbe employees on the form, Mr Hugh Sweeney. Some 20 oows had beon driven in from a distant part of tbo ostato (whoro the animals had rarely if ever come into contact with human beings), for the purpose of having their calves separated from them. As this was a somewhat difficult operation, all hands were called upon to assist, inolud* i ing Miss O'Connor. Among tho number wos an infuriated cow, which broke from tho mob and rushed at the young lady, who, seeing her danger, and boing unable to esoape, threw herself upon tbe ground, in the hope that tho animal would run over her, and that she might be ablo to reach a place of safety before it could renew the attack. Unfortunately no such opportunity was givon, and oho was tossed about tbo field in a fearfully dangerous manner. Mr Sweeney, who was on horseback, saw from a distance tho critical situation of the lady, and rendered speedy assistance. He arrived none too soon, however, for the cow had gone down on its kneet, as if determined to finish the deadly work. Hastily dismounting ho threw himself upon tbo young lady and shielded her with his body. His action fortunately startled the cow, and caused it to spring back. In doing so it caught sight of Mr and Mrs Sinnott 'a littlo way off, ond oharged in their direction, but all were enabled to escape. Miss O'Connor's right leg was fearfully torn from tbo ancle to tho knee, tbo muscles in places being completely severed from their attachments. Mr Sweeney snstained a few cuts about the head, but they wore not of much consequence. Dr Reid gives a bad account of Miss O'Connor's condition, but, is in hopes that ho will be able to effect a cure of the wound, and that it will not bo necessary to resort to amputation.