MAN’S ORDEAL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1935, Page 3

MAN’S ORDEAL

DOGS DRIVE OFF RESCUER.

SYDNEY, February 2.

Ernest- AlcNieol, of Darriwell, was pinned under a tree, which fell across him, from six o’clock on a recent evening until noon next day. He would have been extricated earlier, but his dogs drove off a swagman who attempted to release him.

Air McNicol Was digging out rabbits near info- dead trees, when lie heard a crack and saw one of the trees falling toward him. He tried desperately to throw himself from its path, but the tree struck him across the legs. One of his arms was caught behind Pis back, and he wa s unable to make the slightest effort to sti uggle free. The blow had not broken any bones, but Mr McNicol was badly bruised and his cramped position soon caused him agony. He lay under the tree all night, with hjis djogs crouching round him. Soon after the sun rose it became hot and Ah- McNicol began to suffer from thirst.

Shortly after 10 o’clock a swagman passing along the road .saw the dogs and found Air McNikjol. The clog's rushed savagely at the swagman, evidently believing that he was about to barm their defenceless master. The swagman tiled to placate -tjbe dogfc, but they became fiercer. He then went lu fhe nearest house. , Several voluntters set out in a motoroar, and they soon lifted the tree from Mr McNicol. They took him to a hospital and lie was admitted \suffering from shock and bruises.