AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1930, Page 5

AVIATION

REPORT FROM MATTHEWS,

[United Press Asßociation--By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.]

RANGOON, July 13

A message-has been received by the Commissioner at Pegu from Prome, that Matthews was pitted up 10y villagers at longitude 94,56, latitude 80.47, after walking for seven days down the Cuto stream, Hook had been leJt, as he was unable to walk, one day’s march away. A search party with a doctor left Padaung, Police and villagers are believed to already be searching. The aeroplane crashed in East Toma mountains. The precise locality is' unknown.

MATTHEWS’ ORDEAL.

FIGHT FOR LIFE IN JUNGLE

(Received this day at noon.) DELHI, July 13

The report that Matthews is saved is confirmed. He is now in Hospital at Prome badly‘injured. He states soon after leaving Akyab they were forced to descend in a thick jungle owing to a leak in the petrol pipe. The plane was wrecked and both injured in landing, Hook seriously. They struggled for several days through almost impenetrable jungle, sodden with monsoon rains, existing on fruit. Hook became worse nnd begged Matthews to go on alone. The later refused. FTook who was too weak to walk, further insisted and after making him as comfortable as possible Matthews proceeded in an endeavour to secure aid. and on Saturday he reached a village where he rollapsed. He fears Hook -PI not survive, as he was left utterly helpless, through loss of blood and high fever. Bleeding hands and legs and torn clothing testify to the desperate nature of Matthew’s struggle. Tho villagers helped him over the flatter stages of the journey. Planes searched Yomn mountanis and sur,rounding jungle for traces of the machine nnd the remaining flier, without success.