TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1559, 24 September 1881, Page 19

TAPANUI.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) September 20th. On Saturday last a most unfortunate accident hapwened to a labourer, Joseph Kidd. He was employed by MrJoseph M'Farlane to remove some obsrtuctions from a waterwheel. He stood inside, and not noticing that there was some water in the buckets, began to take out a stick which held the wheel in its place. As coon as this was done, the wheol turned, the man slipped his foot, got between the spokes and lining loists and his left leg sustained so severe a compound fracture near the ankle that a portion of the bone protruded. His head was also badly hurt in some flesh wounds. Mr Myers, the chemist, bound him up so efficiently that the medical man when he arrived had nothing further to do. He was removed to Invercargill on Monday, his expenses being liberally defrayed by Messrs Kett and M'Farlane. Much sympathy is felt for him and his wif o, and as he will be unable to work for six months or so, and as their circumstances are none of the best, a worthy object for public aid is afforded. The Dramatic Club sets a good example by organising a benefit, which takes place on Wednesday, and consists of Christy minstrel songs and a farce called " His own' enemy." As this township is the centre of a large aud valuable distrfct, and as there is an hospital reserve, why Bhould there not be an institution so necessary in our midst ? The poor sufferers have to be conveyed to Invercargill at great pain and trouble, and one who has to lie in tho township will not carry much of his earnings, for colonial doctors aro not generally easily satisfied. A newspaper ought to be a leader of public opinion, I fancy ; but the local sheet does not seem to think so, for it is hammering away at the teacher, as of old, as usual without reasonable cause or parental sanction.