A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 3, Issue 149, 9 October 1895, Page 2

A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

A sensational incident occurred on the Rotorua-Te Toko road works on Wednesday last which endarigored the life of a native named To Rchi, of Tuhourangi. Rchi, who is well-known in football circles, is engaged on a contract let to another native named Arikatera end the work comprises the removal of a number of largo loose rocks by blasting and burring. Rohi was busy trimming down the hatter at a height of from I<> to 20 feet and retained his position on the slope by means of an inch rope made fast to a tree beyond the top of the batter. While at work the whole- face of thti batter begun to slide and, bringing tho tree to which the unfortunate fellow was secured with it, completely buried him several feet deep in rocks and earth. An alarm was at once raised, and his mates, assisted by the other gangs hard by, worked strenuously to extricate their companion from his perilous position. This was a difficult task, however, as it was not known precisely wliere Rehi lay. Had it not been for the sharpness of a native; hoy who had noted tlie exact place where the mass of debris had borne down upon him it is 'doubtful if the man would have been recovered alive. Directed by this urchin one of the rescuing party struck against the boot of the entombed man and to the satisfaction of nil present he was at length unearthed, half suffocate:!, almost speechless and suffering acute pains in the hips and left side. The man was underground over 20 minutes and his escape may well be regarded as miraculous. It appears that when the mass of rock, trees, and earth came awiy Rehi's head and shoulders got in a cavity between two boulders where he lay, feet up, till rescued. When in this position he. felt the rope, which was attached to his arm, pulled by one of the party above and to this he replied by three jerks to let them know he was as yet all right. Native remedies were applied and lie is now progressing satisfactorily. Mr Tates, the overseer, was absent in Rotorua at the time of the accident but on his return Rehi informed him that he could bear those above speculating as to his whereabouts and feel them walking over him. He called out repeatedly but could not bo heard as his face was downwards. Another few minutes would have done for him. The cavity which preserved his life was only about 18 inches' square. Rohi mot with a severe accident about three years ago on McLoau's contract near Mamaku station when the whole of his face was scorched with powder, nearly destroying his evesight.