A CLIMBER'S PERILOUS EXPERIENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XL, Issue 6, 8 January 1907, Page 4

A CLIMBER'S PERILOUS EXPERIENCE.

PLUCKILY RESCUED

GISBORNE, Jan. 3. A plucky rescue from a serious predicament was effected at Muriwai on New Year's Day. Two young men named Edward Featon and Edward Batten cycled out to the cliffs to spend the holiday. Whilse there Batten decided to climb the cliff, whilst his companion remained, on the beach below, gathering shells. Having climbed a distance of over 150 ft., and with another 30ft. or 40ft. above him to reach the top, the young man found himself upon a narrow ledge, from which he could neither advance nor return. Calling to his friend below, he informed him of his danger, and Featon immediately proceeded to effect a rescue, obtaining a jiope and reins irom settlers living in the neighbourhood: He scaled to the top of the cliff by a rough track, the line was lowered down, and with some difficulty, Batten secured it fast round his body. -For a short uistance the haul up was easy, Batten assisting himself up the cliff side, but, owing to a projecting ledge, the young man had to be pulled up the -last 10ft. or 15ft. through mid-air, dangling over a drop of 200 ft. to the rocks below. With a weight of list 71b at the end of the rope, the task allotted to Featon was no light one, and but for his physical strength serious consequences would almost certainly have resulted. A settler named Burns gave valuable assistance by taking in the slack on the rope, and guarding^against it slipping back. At one time when a flaw in the i! ie ,wV 6re Jt nad been rubbing against the ledge of; rocks was perceived, the situation was most critical. When Batten reached the top both young men were utterly exhausted. Batten was exactly four hours in the dangerous position on the cliff.