Mr Basford's Jubilee.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 54, 2 July 1887, Page 6

Mr Basford's Jubilee.

In these days of jubilation, when the air is surcharged with gladness, it is not strange that the private citizen should in a certain degree catch the infection, and rejoice as heartily over blessings, past and present, as does her Gracious Slajesty the Queen. And this sentiment is one which every man and woman, whatever be his or her station in life, should foster. Gratitude is a grace too little cultivated, and on too. many lips thanksgiving dies unsaid. In this spirit the story of Mr Basford's jubilee is given. It will be found not only as absorbing as the most thrilling talc of tho novelist, but rivals it in fact, in that it is strictly true. I was born in Northamptonshire, England, Ist November, 1544. When less than five years of age my parents removed to Australia, and as I have lived here over since, mostly in Gippsland, I may well lay claim to being a pioneer. I am a goldminer by occupation, and was always a strong, hearty man, until October, 1886. I am well known in Gippsland, having lived there from IS6O to 18S5, and was a borough councillor for North Ward, Sale, for tho twa years preceding my departure from Sale to Melbourne. In October, 1886, I caught a severe cold, which culminated in pains all oyer me, and I was obliged to take to my bed. From bad I went to worse. I constantly bled at the nose, and could not keep anything on my stomach, not even soda and, milk. The pains in my head and back were excruciating. I was delirious in one sense, and yet had my senses. From my chamber window I could see a church spire, and from the openings in the spire I could see thousands of goblins, dressed in all sorts of fantastic garb, running up and down and disporting with one another ; yet I knew. they were not real. I had the power of reasoning, yet these fantastic forms would appear, showing my mind was weakening. 1 called a physician, who examined me, and said I was suffering from congestion of the lungs,, and doctored me accordingly, yet I continued to grow worse. I then first noticed my ankles and legs were swelling, and that they would " dent" on impression. I had five physicians altogether, but none of them, except the last one, really told me what was the matter with me, although I was paying a guinea a visit. After I had been ill about seven weeks, my body began to swell to an alarming extent, and a cold sweat covered me, with a spur and most disagreeable odour. It wa. so bad my nurse could scarcely stay in the room. My fluids were very scanty, high coloured, and voided with much pain. My left arm swelled out of all semblance to an arm, aso t of watery bag forming and falling down on the under side. Across my back and hips was another, appendage like ■ a saddle bag in form, so large I couki shake it. I could not get on tho trousers I usually wore, and so puffed out were my stomach and bowels with water that I could only button the two top buttons of my waistcoat. My face was so puffed that I could scarcely sec out of my eyes, which ran water to aucn anextentthafc my pillow was constantly wet. I had a pair of slippers made to order, they were 12's in length, and big every way proportionately ; yet I had to slit them open before I could get them on. The bleeding from the nose continued, also the vomiting, with dreadful retching, while my head felt as though it was in. a vyce. I wanted to die, as life was only misery. A day or two before Christmas the doctor told my wife there was no hope for me, that I could not live until morning ; that Iliad acute Bright's disease in its worst form, and he would not call again unless sent for, I don't care to mention this medical man's name publicly, as he was the only doctor of the five I had who really told what was the matter with me. ' He did his best to cure me, but his medicines failed. The day following I was alive, and having my attention'called to an article on Bright's disease in a local paper, recommending .Warner's safe cure, 1 told my wife ■to wet a bottle, and let' me try it as a last resort. '• j She did so. The first dose I kept down—something remarkable. The second dose likewise-wonderful. The third dose vomited. I then diluted the medicine, and persevered. The next day I ceased vomiting, and bad an appetite. From that day on 1 havo not vomited, and have relished my food. Th c nose-bleed also stopped, and ha? never returned, while the pains in my head gradually ceased. ; I could feel the medicine working down in my system. About the third day after commencing the medicine I noticed the pamphlet which accompanied it said I should take Warner's safe pills with the safe cure. That night I took one pill, which seemed to thoroughly cleanse my system. I cannot describe my feelings, except'by saying l it seemed like passing from hell to paradise. Since that time my recovery has been rapid. The doctor, probably believing me-dead, never called again. The. swe'ling all over my body gradually went down,'- My hair came out, great scales, peeled off my legs, and I seemed to be renewed throughout. Sly normal weight is from 12st to 13st, but 'when I was so swelled I must have -weighed at least 16st. I caiv now put my slit slippers on over my boots, and wear my clothes once more, the dropsical swelling having entirely disappeared. About.the Ist of.Slarch, 1887, J could get'on bay feet for a-short time, and thereafter gradually gained in strengh,. so | that I could take short walks; Now I feel that my young manhood has come back to ;me. My friends jocularly call me 'Cheat the' Grave,' and 1-feel that! have done so ;in truth. 1 never expected to get well, 'and _iow that I have completely recovered, I cannot say enough in praise of the medicine that brought me back to life, health, and ; strength. lam ready at any arid' all times to answer1 any" questions or letters, or go before, any medical: board for the same purpose. My recovery is simply a miracle, arid I am truly grateful. The Jubilee year will always be remembered by me and mine, .and the jubilee we celebrate, is not a matter -of form or lip service, but comes from'the. depths of thankful hearts. SfSMUEIijBASFORD. Exploration Hotel, L, 'Lonsdale-street, E., Sielbourne. :-'.i".si 7 ;