FATAL BUSH-FALLING ACCIDENT

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 315, 16 July 1898, Page 2

FATAL BUSH-FALLING ACCIDENT

e A very lamentable accident, which was, unfortunately, attended with fatal results, occurred at Waingaro on Wednesday morning. Two young men, named Connolly, were bush falling in that district, and the youngest, David, 17 years of age, was felling a tree about a foot through, which was growing in a sloping direction. In its descent the tree failed to break the branches underneath, and the butt skidded backwards, striking the unfortunate young fellow in the stomach. The elder brother, who was close handy, came to his assistance, and found him bleeding freely from a wound on the hip, but not unconscious. This took place about 11 am. With some difficulty they reached the camp, about half-a-mile away, where a neighbour (Mr Forsett) attended to the lad's injuries to the best of his ability. The settlers round about then improvised a stretcher, and set out with the intention of carrying him into Nearuawahia. When about half the tedious journey had been completed they met a spring cart, which relieved them of their burden, and Ngaruawahia was reached that night. The injured man was brought on to Hamilton the following morning and admitted into the Hospital about 1.1 o'clock on Thursday. He never rallied, but, sinking gradually, passed away a couple of hours after his arrival at the institution, from internal hemorrhage. Mr Connolly, father of the deceased, was travelling from Rotorua to Auckland, and was naturally greatly shocked on reaching the Hamilton station, to hear the sad news of his son's untimely end. No inquest was considered necessary, and the body was taken to Auckland for interment. Much sympathy was felt in this district for the bereaved parents, who reside in Auckland.