AID BY AIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 10

AID BY AIR

NAVY SENDS MACHINE CALL TO GREAT BARRIER PILOT RETURNS AT DARK DOCTOR LEFT ON ISLAND To bring medical aid to a bushman who suffered severe injuries when be was struck bv a falling tree, a doctor was despatched from Auckland to Great Barrier Island in a naval amphibian aircraft late vesterday afternoon. With the approach of nightfall the amphibian returned, hut the passenger, Dr. J. Garfield Stewart, remained to attenc the injured man, who left last night by launch for the city. ' Advice of the accident was received at' about four o'clock by the medical superintendent of the Auckland Hospital. Dr J. W. Craven. He was informed that the patient was suffering from injuries which included a fractured arm and broken ribs. He communicated with the naval authorities, and shortly after the amphibian took off from the Hobsonvillc air base. A landing was made on the aerodrome at Great Harrier about 30 minutes later. From the scene of the accident the injured mail had to hi. transported through rough country foi about four or five miles before reaching the aerodrome, and, when he bad not arrived in Iho early evening, it was necessary for the pilot to take off in the failing light and return to Hobsonville. There :i landing was made with the assistance of flares.

Dr. Stewart remained at Great Barrier to attend to the patient, and arrangements were made for a launch to be sent from Tryphena to Oknpn to pick up the injured man and the doctor and transport them to Auckland. On reaching the city early this morning the patient will he transferred to the Auckland Hospital.