LOST UNDERGROUND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20076, 13 October 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

LOST UNDERGROUND.

MAN AND HIS SISTER. PLIGHT IN STONE AGE CAVE. HOURS IN DARTL A thrilling adventure befell Captain William Orgill. of Garboldisham,.' Nor folk, and Ins sister Joan, while exploring tho famous Grime's Graves, Weeting, near Thctford. Having lowered themselves by a ropo into one of tho deep pits in these Stono Age flint mines, they were trapped in a subterranean passage by the blowing out of their candle. After an allnight search they were rescued by a policeman who was lowered into tno pit. Captain Orgill, who was home on leave from the Indian Army, had explored Grime's Graves on previous occasions. Tho famous "graves," which are situated on tho Weeting estate and owned by the Forestry Commission, are flint mines of tho Stono Age. Within 20 acres there are 254 pits, 20ft. to 60ft. across, and 40ft. deej), often with lateral tunnels. Ono morning Captain Orgill and his sister, Miss Joan Orgill. visited tho spot, and lowered themselves into the pit by means of a ropo. They entered the passages, and had gone a short way when their candle dropped, went out, and could not be, found- They were left in pitch darkness.

For a time they struck matches, but failed to find a way out, and finally sat down to await the arrival of help. Their father, alarmed at tho non-arrival home of his son and daughter, communicated with tho police. They searched the neighbourhood of Grime's Graves all night, but found nothing to give them a clue. They abandoned the search at five o'clock tho next morning, but it was resumed later in the day. The finding of tho captain's motor-cycle at the top of the principal pit gave the police thoir needed clue. Constable Gilliftni \vo-s low ered, arid entered tho passages It was not until he had been searching a quarter of an hour, however, that he camo across the missing couple and led them back to daylight. Captain Orgill stood the ordeal well, but his sister was somewhat exhausted. They were rescued r\t 11.30 in tho morning, but were under the impression that it was midnight. Over 3000 years ago Neolithic man quarried material from Grime's Graves for his hunting and fighting weapons and domestic implements. In the neighbourhood are pit dwellings of these very early Britons. Discoveries in the mines include: A polished hatchet, deers' antlers used as picks, bone tools for working tho flint,

hollowed blocks of chalk used as lamps to light up tho dark galleries. On ono of the picks were tho clearly-marked fingerprints of tho miner who had wielded it 3000 years ago.