ADRIFT ON A PUNT.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1867, 11 March 1913, Page 5

ADRIFT ON A PUNT.

AN ANXIOUS TIME,

(Pres* Association.—By Telegraph. Invercargill, Last Night.

The passengers, ten in number, who set off from the west side of the Waiau in the punt on Saturday at 6.30 p.m. for Tutapere had an unexpected and exciting experience. When they were about half-way across the river, which was running high and strong, the hook on the wire rope broke off, and the passengers were carried down the river toward the mouth at a rapid rate. What the consequences would be were not apparent at the outset and serious results were apprehended until the punt was found to be making for the PaDatotara side, where it went ashore about 100 yards from the place at which it was released from the fastenings. The Rev. Mr McEwan, who was on board, was struck on the head by the wire rope, receiving a nasty cut, which had to be stitched by Dr. Stuart, of Otautau. A small boat only capable of conveying passengers across has been established, and it is expected that it will be about a week before the punt servic can be restored.