OUT OP THE SNOW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5347, 27 August 1895, Page 1

OUT OP THE SNOW.

THE RESCUE OF DUNCAN. j The search party that left Aehbnrton on Tuesday last to search for Mr Fred. Duncan,- who had been camping in the ranges some miles from Whitcombe's Pass, returned to Ashburton. yesterday, bringing Duncan with them. Mr M. de B. Compton, who headed the rescue party, gives a very graphic account of the journey and of the finding of Dnncan. After surmounting many difficulties the rescue party, consisting of Messrs M. Compton, Mark Anthony and Trooper Morgan, reached Duncan's hut on Friday. They found him in a very weak condition, having been six days without food. Ho had fastened himself into the hut and lay down to die, being too weak to keep a fire going. The hut was so completely surrounded by snow that it was a difficult matter to get a paok horse near to carry Duncan away. After attending to the sick man's wants, a rough stretcher was made for him, and he was brought down ss far as Double Hill the same night. Tp make tbe work more difficult and unpleasant, heavy rain was falling in the hills all the time. At Methven a trap was obtained and Duncan was safely landed at the Ashburton Hospital at halfpast one yesterday. Dr Trevor, who has seen Duncan, considers that although he is very reduced, and requires rest of body and mind, he is likely to progress favourably. Ab reat and quiet are absolutely necessary, no one is allowed to see him.

Musical Union.— The programme for the third subscription concert, to be given to-night in the Opera House, ia a moat attractive one. Miss Venie Flower will sing Schubert's " Serenade" and Gounod's "The Worker." Mr G. March, who will make his first appearance before a Musical Union audience, will aing Valeric White's "Montroße'a L9ve Song" and Bodney'a "Courier of Moscow." Three lady members of the Sooiety will take part in a trio, "Best Thoe on thia Mossy Pillow," by Smart. The chorus will aing the Bridal ohorua from Lohengrin, and "The Miller's Wooing," both with full orchestral accompaniment, also the part songa "In this Hour of Softened Splendour" and Vincent's " Seguidilla," tho latter accompanied by the caßtenets, triangle and tambourine. The orchestra will perform Mendelssohn's overture "Hebriden" and SuppeV'Poet and Peasant," the ever popular intermezzo from Maßcagni's." Cavalleria Eusticana," Cowen'a " The Language of the Flowers " and Granado's " Souvenir de Vienne." The usual tram arrangements have been made for the convenience of subscribers.