A Narrow Escape.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 6, Issue 40, 25 June 1895, Page 3

A Narrow Escape.

A sensational incident occurred at East DevonporJ, near Hobart (Tasmania), a few days ago, by which a young girl lost her life. It seems (says the North- West Post) that Miss Quinn and a young girl, 15 years of age, named Charlotte Smallbon, employed as general servant of Mrs Childs', in Pardoe-street, were engaged in removing bricks from an old well in the yard. The well was eight feet deep, and was dry. Nearly the whole of the bricks were removed safely, and when only a couple were left, Mias Quinn got out, leaving the girl Smallbon. The loose sand commenced drifting in, and when it had covered the girl's boots she treated the matter lightly. Presently, however, the sand commenced rushing in very rapidly, and in endeavouring to free herself she found that she could not move. Her screams for assistance attracted the attention of some workmen who were engaged at a building close by. They placed a rope around her waist and endeavoured to haul her out, but found that their united efforts, although causing the girl great pain, failed. The sand had by this time reached nearly up to her neck, and She workman then set to work with spades to dig her out. They worked with a will, relieved at intervals by some spectators who were attracted to the spot, and, after about three hours' laborious toil, they had the satisfaction of hauling out the girl, who was none the worse for the escapade, save having received a thorough fright.