RESCUE FROM 100- FOOT WELL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22358, 23 March 1938, Page 3

RESCUE FROM 100FOOT WELL

0 AMARU CONSTABLE’S COURAGE

RESISTANCE BY VICTIM MAKES TASK DIFFICULT

fTHE PRESS Special Service.]

DUNEDIN, March 22,

Remarkable circumstances surrounded the rescue to-day from a disused well 100 feet deep on the of R. K. Ireland, at Mount Pleasant, near Oamaru, of a man named John McKenzie, who had fallen to the bottom some time previously. Considerable courage in making the rescue was shown by Constable A. D. McNamara, who not only had to don a gas mask to counter the foul air m the wen but is also stated to have had to overcome some resistance by McKenzie before he would allow a rope to be tied round his body. After removal from the well McKenzie was taken to the Oamaru Hospital. . .. It appears that McKenzie, who lives with his brother, Mr David McKenzie, at South Oamaru, last night took up a threatening attitude towards his brother, as a result of which the assistance of a third brother was required. David McKenzie then left to spend the night with the third brother, the one who was called in, and this morning, on returning to South Oamaru, he found that John'McKenzie was missing. The Oamaru police were notified, and Constables J. Patterson and McNamara made a search. A fortunate chance led to the discovery of the victim’s plight. While the police were engaged in their task, William Minton, who is employed on Ireland’s farm at Mount Pleasant, killed an old sheep and threw the carcase down the well. He heard moans coming from the bottom of the well, which is about 100 feet deep, and immediately notified Constable McNamara.

Ropes were obtained and the constable was lowered into the well, but the air was so foul that he had to abandon the attempt and was hauled to the surface. Gas masks were obtained from the Oamaru Fire Brigade, and, equipping himself with one. Constable McNamara again descended the well. After one unsuccessful attempt he managed to reach the bottom, where he found McKenzie. The constable’s task, however, was then far from completed, for it is stated that McKenzie resented being rescued and the constable had no little difficulty in handling an electric torch and at the same time placing a rope round McKenzie. Eventually, in spite of McKenzie’s resistance, this was done, and the rescuer and the rescued were hauled to the surface shortly after 8 o’clock to-night.

Dr. R. S, Orbell and an ambulance were waiting at the spot, and McKenzie •\Vas taken to the Oamaru Public Hospital.

The old well is apparently used as a dump for refuse and dead sheep.