BATTLE WITH A BULL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 20 November 1924, Page 6

BATTLE WITH A BULL.

TWO GALLANT I/ADS. BULL VANQUISHED. WITH STICKS. Further particulars of the stirring incident on the Ptikaka Valley Road, Marlborough, a; few days ago, when a. mad bull was attacked by two lads armed only with sticks', and driven off in time to save tlie life, of Mr. Jack M'Donald, whom it had gored a.nd rendered unconscious, show- that the two boys acted with remarkable bravery.

They are named Keith Baldick, the son of a well-known settler inthe district, and Galloway M‘Donaild, a son of Air. Jack AUDonald, the bull’s victim.

Air. AUDonaid was leading the bull by means of a chain round its horns when it butted him from behind, howling him over on the road. In ■falling, Mr. AFDonald' lost hold of the leading chain, and before he could fairly regain his feet the hull wheeled; with incredible speed, and. charged him. The unfortunate man was caught on the hull’s horns, which penetrated • bis- chest and side, and though he is a-heavy man, was tossed into the air, landing in an unconscious condition on the side of the road. ‘ The bull, now thoroughly mad, again, charged its helpless and unconscious victim, with the apparent intention of dispatching him, hut'the two lads, who were accompanying Mr. A!‘Donald, heroically threw themselves on the raging beast, and slashing it with sticks, and poking >at its eyes, succeeded in diverting its attention from the injured man. It is stated that the bull now charged first one boy and then the other, but their agility and pluc-k stood them in good ■stead and they' kept up tlieir attack ;on the infuriated animal, until, apparjently, they succeeded in .blinding - it. Finally the bea'st was reduced to an 'almost exhausted 1 condition, 'and. the .boys completed tlieir .splendid fight by 1 seeurng it by; means of the dangling chain, to a 'stout tree.

■ Then they summoned help for Air. A'UDonaTd', who Avals conveyed to the hospital, -where lie is now making a good recovery. In the evening Air. AI. AUDonahl went out and' shot the bull.

As already indicated, .states the Marlborough Express, inquiries are being iniade with, the : object of having the lads’ heroic conduct .suitably recognised. Both boys are about 13 years of age.