SICK WOMAN’S ORDEAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 7, 7 December 1936, Page 2

SICK WOMAN’S ORDEAL

DAYS OF AGONY. A TERRIBLE JOURNEY. A story of a women’s heroism and endurance during a journey through swamps and crocodile-infested rivers, and over some of the roughest bush tracks in the Northern Territory, was revealed when Mrs Edwards Sawdy, 32, was admitted to tho Darwin Hospital suffering from a burst appendix. Mr Sawdy, who is a buffalo hunter, accompanied by his wife and son, aged 7. camped at Barolba Creek, 150 miles from Pine Creek. He returned to camp at the week-end, to find his wife lying groaning in the shack. For two days she had been helpless, and in pain with appendicitis. SUFFERED TORTURE. Mrs Sawdy was placed in the back of a utility truck, and Mr Sawdy set out for Pine Creek. He had trouble with the truck, and after he had made repairs it would travel only in second gear. Mrs Sawdy suffered torture, as the truck travelled over rough, boulderstrewn sections, and became bogged in swamps. Halts had to be made every mile to give her a respite. The 60 mile journey to the old Arnhem Land gold mine took more than 12 hours. Then tho lorry broke down. Mr Sawdy asked for horses to ride for l>r Fenton, the flying doctor, but was told that Dr Fenton had no ’plane. Tho ear at tho gold mine was out of order, but the men worked all night to repair it, and by morning it was in running order. COVERED WITH LEECHES.

A stretcher was borrowed and the journey was continued to South Alligator River, where the stream was in flood. It was a hot day. Mr Sawdy placed his wife in tho water while lie dragged the' car through the stream with a windlass. It took him four hours to cross the river, and when he returned he found his wife covered with leeches. Tho car then had to be dragged up a steep bank. The child steered while the father worked the block and tackle. The rope broke when the car was near the top. The child jumped clear. The car stopped on the brink of the river. The journey to Mary River was described by Mr Sawdy as a nightmare. He drove over rockv outcrops and a series of hills, while his wife was groaning in agony. Mrs Sawdv’s appendix burst, and the only medicine available was rum. The car broke down again, and an aboriginal was sent to the Hercules mine for assistance. THROUGH FLOODED RIVER. The party ultimately reached Mary River to find the corduroy road swept away by floods. Although suffering intense pain. Mrs Sawdy was still conscious. She was carried through the flooded river on the shoulders of men to another car, in which she was taken to Pino Creek Hospital, where Sister White gave her an injection and brought her to Darwin by train. A doctor met the train several miles from the town. Mrs Sawdy is now progressing favourably. Mr- Sawdy was the partner of Coombs, who perished of thirst in the same country some months ago.