LOST ON RUAPEHU.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1881, 28 March 1913, Page 6

LOST ON RUAPEHU.

THE STORY OF BINGHAM.

Auckland, Tuesday.

Mademoiselle Coche, of Auckland (says the Post's Auckland correspondent) who was rescued yesterday afternoon after a dreadful experience, being without food since last Saturday, states that she never expected to dome alive out of the bush whicn enveloped the mountain. In an interview witli the Herald's Ohakune correspondent Mademoiselle Coche disclosed that the party broke up some time after leaving Ohakune on account of the inclement weather. Only six remained and the partv lostits bearings. Two left later to obtain assistance, if possible, by another route. The remainder then lit a fire and camped for the night. Another two of the party left on Monday morning to endeavour to reach some settlement and secure assistance, and it was on Monday night that Mademoiselle collapsed. It was snowing almost continuously at the time. Matches would not light and the lady and Bingham were left freezing in a suow storm. When the storm abated they decided to try again to find the camp, but failed. They then decided to go down a creek, which proved to be the Manganui-autau. "About 11 o'clock on Monday morning," continued Mademoiselle Coche, "I lost sight of Bingham, who was trying to cross a creek at the top of a waterfall. I walked down the stream expecting to see Bigham on the other side at the bottom, but could see no sign of him. I called loudly, but received no reply, and on looking further saw his hat and stick at the bottom of the face. I was then by myself and I subsequently pushed on down the creek, with water up to my waist half the time.

"I then lost my uoots and had to walk barefooted. About 0 p.m. I felt utterly exhausted and lay down with the idea that I would not survive. Wlieu I awoke next morning I felt a little better, however, and continued the journey in the hope that the creek would lead to some habitation.

"Although my bare feet were in an awful condition I walked on and on and was considering the possibility of camping another night in the bush, when about three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon I saw a bridge uliead —Miugauui-autan viaduct." Mademoiselle had 110 food Sunday morning until tiir.-o o'clock yesterday afternoon, and during most tii' the time she was \s < t through. \V-> ... ]■; V ■ • air uti iixU iioi «o rn.il, break or +tar. if our draper stocks " Warner's..,