BUFFALO HUNTER

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1937, Page 3

BUFFALO HUNTER

OWES LIFE TO DOCTOR.

DARWIN, April 1/1

“I owe my life to Dr Fenton and to the faithful black boy who walked to Darwin for help.” From liis bed in Darwin Hospital George Hunter, buffalo shooter, tohi how he was brought, injured, from Lake Funds by the Flying Doctor.

“L am convinced that no other airman would attempt to make a landing as Dr Fenton did, among trees and stumps.

“I have never been in a plane he fore, and although I had difficulty fitting into the cockpit, it was like liding on tlie back of a goose.”

He told the story of an amazing struggle with a huge bull buffalo some years ago.

“1 did not see him until he was a few yards away. As the buffalo put down his head to charge 1 fired pointblank with a .303 rifle, but the cartridge jammed and the gun was useless.

Wrestled With Him

“I grabbed the beast by one liorn and the snout, and after a terrible struggle I threw him. “He partly fell on me and I held him. for some time until he managed to get half-up. “I serambcld to my feet, badly hurt, and the beast and I faced one another, both waiting for the next move.

“I backed a few yards with the buffalo still bellowing and watching me, and then T slipped behind a tree. “I tried to climb it, but I was too badly hurt.

“My black boy drooped a liflle to me at the foot of the tree and I shot the buffalo through the brain. “I was no good for six months afterwards, and I have never been the same since.”