THE DESERT'S VICTIM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9157, Issue 9157, 5 March 1910, Page 5

THE DESERT'S VICTIM.

ADELAIDE. February 4. The following detailed report has been received from Mr Holmesby, second in command, with respect to the melancholy death of Mr W N Frayne, leader of the Tanarai syndicate exploration party:— "On December 26 Frayne went out to the north-west of Mount Singleton to try to locate a waterhole, taking a riding camel, provisions, and seven gallons of water, saying he would be back in four or five days, or at latest seven days. On the fifth day Barlowsaw tracks of a camel passing through. the camp, and immediately went out and tracked it for some distance. A black-boy followed up, and at night brought iu Frayne's camel, greatly distressed and badly punished. On the following morning I saw scratched on the canteen, 'Have left the camel. No water about. Can't get the camel to move.' Other words look 'Drank water to-night.' Barlow immediately went out with a boy and found Frayne's tracks. He came back to within about 15 miles of the camp, and found Frayne dead under a bush. He had evidently walked some distance, as the returning camel had crossed his tracks. He covered up the body and read the funeral service. Barlow and the boy had previously been over the country twice, and lound several wells, but all were dry. Frayne was strongly advised" not to go out alone, but persisted in doing so. The heat was terrible. We had a very bad time getting here. Wβ have recovered the camels and stores. Frayne's camel is still very poor, but the other camels are in good condition.