Okuru, sick boy carried 54 miles for medical treatment. 1933.

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DescriptionThe home of Mr and Mrs A Cowan where son Bernard Cowan became so seriously ill that it was necessary to move him to the nearest settlement, Mahitahi 54 miles distant.
As no other means of transport was available on account of the rugged nature of the country, a party of settlers in the Okuru district decided to carry the boy by stretcher. The journey involved the crossing of several rivers and streams, including the Haast River and walking over rough tracks and through dense bush. The task was successfully accomplished and the boy was removed to the Hokitika Hospital by car.
Mrs Cowan accompanied the bearers throughout the journey.
AWNS 19330322-40-3.PhotographerAuckland Weekly NewsDate of PhotoBetween 1st January 1933 and 31st December 1933Map^[1]ContributorMaye Dunn

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Location (city or town)OkuruPersonBernard Cowan

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Date Created27th August 2017CommentsBarb Rodway Did he survive

Maye Dunn Barb Rodway he did I boarded at the Grey High Hostel with his son.

Barb Rodway Maye Dunn gosh that was good then, what a huge journey for them all

Trevor Keith Scott You are right, they were made of stuff stuff

Trevor Keith Scott Correction from last attempt, YES they were made of tough stuff, but also caring and hard working and honest and loyal. Now and again you see it in this time, but not as much as it was back then. That is why I love the West Coast South Island, as it was every where then and in later years as well!!

Trevor Keith Scott Roger, yes you understand those days....good on you Mate!

Roger Howell So John Cowan was the son of the boy referred to in the article?

Arthur Dehn I remember Bernard Kirwan from Whataroa , did he ever attended school there? He was older than me...

Terry Harding Man they were tough people back then
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Okuru, sick boy carried 54 miles for medical treatment. 1933.

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