Not Put Off N.Z. By Accident

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30632, 24 December 1964, Page 2

Not Put Off N.Z. By Accident

An accident on the Milford Track two years ago, which resulted in her breaking an arm, being unconscious for three days, and spending two weeks in hospital, part of the time suffering from bronchial pneumonia, did not in any way put Miss Emily Cunningham, of Philadelphia, off New Zealand. She has just arrived back in Christchurch to begin a twomonth trip through the country to renew her many friendships, and revisit favourite districts.

This is Miss Cunningham’s fourth trip to New Zealand. She has been a world traveller for many years, and has ! decided this is her favourite Country.

“If I weren't an American, I would live right here in Christchurch—and I’ve been all over the world five times,” she said last evening. She is a constant traveller and spends only two to four months at her home each year. “Christchurch is the most charming city in the world. Why?—oh, the people, the lovely flowers, the little Avon river, which is kept so beautifully,” she said. Slipped On Rock

One important mission on her present journey is to thank again all those who helped her when she had her accident on her last visit On that occasion she had been walking with a party

about half-a-mile from the Quinton Hut when she slipped on a steep moss covered rock, and fell. Her fellow hikers, a helicopter and an ambulance from the Milford Hotel to Invercargill all took part in her rescue. Once in hospital she was touched by the many messages and flowers she received from well-wishers to

whom she was a complete stranger. Miss Cunningham first came to New Zealand in 193®. “I have been acting like a chamber of commerce for New Zealand ever since, telling my friends in other countries how wonderful it is,” she said. She came back in 1960, and in 1962. “I have gradually built up some very fine friendships,” she said. Although Miss Cunningham plans to spend several days at Milford Sound, there is one thing she will not be doing on this trip: she will not be walking to Milford on the Milford Track.