HEROIC MOTHER.

Auckland Star, Issue 291, 9 December 1925, Page 17

HEROIC MOTHER.

TRIED TO SAVE BABY. THOUGH DYING HERSELF. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, December 4. Death claimed two victims —a mother and her baby—at Robin Vale a pioneer camp in Victoria; in sad circumstances last week. Mrs. Crack, 20, wife of one of the workmen on the new bridge at Robin Vale on the Murray River, and her 10 weeks' old baby were burned to death. The settlement is stiil in its pioneer starges, and the men working on 1 the bridge have to live under canvas. Mrs. Crack had put the baby to sleep and was attending to some duties outside, when she saw the tent blazing. She raced in to save the baby, but her clothes also ignited, and the strong wind blowing at the time fanned the flames until the mother and child were enveloped in them. Dying, and in terrible agony from her own burns, the mother made frantic efforts to tend the injured baby until help arrived. Workmen rendered what little assistance was possible at such an out of the way place, and word of the accident was sent to the Manangatang Hospital, whence the surgeon and hospital matron sped to Robin Vale by car. They were horrified at the extensive burns" on the bodies of both mother and baby, who were still alive. Field dressings were applied, and a wagon was hurriedly fixed up to use as an ambulance for the drive of 35 miles over rough roads. Mother and child died on arrival at hospital. -