These are accounts of close encounters with snakes on and around the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. Just remember, killing snakes is now illegal and most of the snake bite remedies mentioned here are no longer recommended. Having said that, all the people in this post survived, so something must have worked. Chloride of Lime was applied in one of these cases; it was injected. An article in the Korumburra Great Southern Advocate of December 20, 1894 (see here) on the topic and had this advice - No one in the country should be without his bottle of lime, and his hyperdermic syringe ready at hand.
Snake-bite at TooradinOn Monday a case of snake-bite occurred at Tooradin to a man named Gliffen. He was stalking some ducks, and while creeping through the undergrowth and ferns, he was met by a black snake of large dimensions. Instead of scurrying away, as this species generally does, it gave fight, and fastened on to the man's arm. Gliffen immediately asked a companion to help him to cut a piece of the, flesh away, and then rode to Dandenong, where Dr. Hodgson completed the cure, and next day Gliffen was able to return home. (The Argus, February 10, 1892, see here)
Snake-bite at Garfield
Silas Harris, 23 year of age, laborer, was bitten on the little finger of the right hand by a snake at Garfield this afternoon. He was cutting wood, and stooped down to pick up a piece when the snake bit him. Harris pluckily cut off the finger with the axe. He was then brought into the Melbourne Hospital, where Dr Grove administered stimulants, and dressed the finger. Harris was then able to leave the hospital. The snake was of the tiger species, and was killed by Harris. (The Herald, May 2, 1901, see here)
The cool headed Nellie Costello.
Iona - On Friday last considerable excitement was caused in the settlement by a case of snake-bite, and only for the plucky behavior of the young sufferer it is highly probable fatal consequences would have ensued. It appears that Nellie Costello, aged 14, daughter of a settler on the main drain, on the above date was sent down the paddock to drive some cows out of a crop of maize, and whilst performing this duty she trod upon a snake which turned and bit her just above the knee, she immediately formed a ligature with her handkerchief and made her way home, and requested her mother to take the carving knife and cut the piece out. Mrs. Crudden, a neighbour, performed the operation and the patient was conveyed with all speed to Bunyip, when shortly after arrival Dr. Cowan arrived in answer to a telephone message, and later on pronounced the patient out of danger. (South Bourke & Mornington Journal, January 29, 1902, see here)
Tiger Snake’s Bite. Young Man’s Escape.
A young man, named Thomas Kennedy, had a narrow escape from losing his life this week through being bitten by a tiger snake whilst engaged hewing timber on Mrs Smethurst’s farm at Yannathan, Gippsland. Kennedy was in the act of turning over a log, when a tiger snake, which had been hidden under it, seized and bit the thumb of his left hand. So tenacious was the grip of the reptile's fangs that all efforts to shake it off were futile, so Kennedy promptly seized his axe and chopped the snake in two. Using his pocket-knife, he then made a series of incisions all around the bite, and sucked the wound. Next he tied several ligatures about his hand and arm and hurried to the farm, where, securing a vehicle, he drove to Drouin, a journey of fourteen miles, and consulted Dr Cowan. Kennedy was by this time in a very drowsy state, which signified that the poison had affected him. Restorative measures were quickly and successfully administered.
An antidote was then injected into Kennedy's veins, and after about 36 hours' suspense, during which time all manner of methods were resorted to in order to prevent the patient from falling into a dangerous sleep, the patient was pronounced out of danger. The young man then left for his home at Muckleford, where he will have to remain for some days until his lacerated hand is healed up, and the effects of the shock and medicine have passed away. (The Herald, October 25, 1902, see here)
[There are two other accounts of this story and in both he is called Timothy, not Thomas and Mrs Smithers is listed as Mrs A.E. Smethurst, which I believe is correct. One account also said he came from Gembrook, so his return home to Muckleford may actually have been Macclesfield. These points aside, it's still a great story. Other reports The Age, October 27, 1902, see here; Weekly Times, November 1, 1902, see here]
Dangerous snakes of Victoria, indicated by Professor McCoy.
Printed by John Ferres, Government Printer, for the Education Department, Melbourne, Victoria, 1877.
State Library of Victoria Image H99.24/1-2 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/459295
Bitten by a black snake
A man named Stephen Collins engaged as bullock driver at Nar Nar Goon was bitten on the left leg below the knee, by a large black snake about midday today. He was conveyed in an unconscious state to Berwick a distance of about fourteen miles. where he was attended by Mr Alex. Bennie, M.B., who used strychnine, calcium chloride and potassium permanganate. The patient regained consciousness during the afternoon, and is now convalescent. (The Argus, October 14, 1904, see here)
A Seven-foot Snake
Dandenong - Snakes are being discovered in large numbers this season, and numerous snake-bites are recorded. One day last week Mr. J. Hardy, of Tooradin, while at Heath Hill killed a black snake, and on opening it found it contained no fewer than 30 young, several inches in length. On Friday while Mr. T. H. Grant, of Toomuc Valley Orchard, was returning from Somerville he saw a large black snake with red sides on the Frankston-road. He killed the snake, which was 4ft. 6in. in length. Thinking it looked bulky, he dissected it, and discovered 16 young ones, about 6in. long, and alive. Mr. Grant took six of the young ones home with him, and has preserved them in spirits. On Monday Mr. Innis, a ganger on the Gippsland railway, killed a large carpet snake on the line, near the Frankston-road gate. The reptile measured 7ft. 3in. This is the largest snake seen in this district for the last 40 years, and it is believed to have been brought from a northern district in a railway truck. (The Argus, January 25, 1905, see here)
Snake-bite
Yannathan - About 7 o'clock on Friday a young woman named Lily Mannix, in the employ of Councillor Cameron, of "Fassifern," was bitten on the finger by a snake. She was taken to the Yannathan Store, where Mrs. W. R. Currie rendered first aid, and injected chloride of lime. The patient was then driven to Lang Lang and attended to by Dr. Harkness, and is now out of danger. (The Argus, June 3, 1907, see here)
The Snake Season. Harvesting Experience
Pakenham - A resident of McDonnell’s Drain, Iona, named W. Webster, was working a reaper and binder on a flax crop at South Pakenham on Friday. Hearing a squeal he stopped the machine, and found that he had cut three legs and the tail off a hare, the balance of the animal could not be found. Later, he had occasion to tighten a nut under the machine, and there being very little room he had to be on his back. While in this position he suddenly felt something cold on his throat, and found that a snake was crawling over his neck. As the head of the reptile was disappearing through the spokes of the wheel he caught it by the tail, but was forced to let it go as it turned to bite him. It then got away. (The Argus, November 30, 1909, see here)
[McDonnells Drain is actually McDonalds Drain and it isn't at Iona, it is at Pakenham South/Koo Wee Rup North.]
Yannathan - About 7 o'clock on Friday a young woman named Lily Mannix, in the employ of Councillor Cameron, of "Fassifern," was bitten on the finger by a snake. She was taken to the Yannathan Store, where Mrs. W. R. Currie rendered first aid, and injected chloride of lime. The patient was then driven to Lang Lang and attended to by Dr. Harkness, and is now out of danger. (The Argus, June 3, 1907, see here)
The Snake Season. Harvesting Experience
Pakenham - A resident of McDonnell’s Drain, Iona, named W. Webster, was working a reaper and binder on a flax crop at South Pakenham on Friday. Hearing a squeal he stopped the machine, and found that he had cut three legs and the tail off a hare, the balance of the animal could not be found. Later, he had occasion to tighten a nut under the machine, and there being very little room he had to be on his back. While in this position he suddenly felt something cold on his throat, and found that a snake was crawling over his neck. As the head of the reptile was disappearing through the spokes of the wheel he caught it by the tail, but was forced to let it go as it turned to bite him. It then got away. (The Argus, November 30, 1909, see here)
[McDonnells Drain is actually McDonalds Drain and it isn't at Iona, it is at Pakenham South/Koo Wee Rup North.]
Divine help
On Saturday last a man named Horace George Iles, of Narnargoon, was bitten by a snake. He probably owes his life to the first aid assistance of Rev. Father Connellan, of Iona, as when he was taken subsequently to a doctor at Pakenham, he was in a very critical state, and the Doctor had all he could do to save his life. He has since recovered. (South Bourke and Mornington Journal, January 23, 1913, see here)
Snake at Clyde
On Wednesday afternoon at Clyde two boys named Greg Hardy and Arthur Hall, while rabbiting, hunted a rabbit into a small, burrow about 4 feet long. One of the boys poked a stick into one end while the other boy watched for the rabbit. To the lads' surprise a large black snake crept out. The boys ran half a mile to a neighbour, who with a gun killed the snake. (Bunyip Free Press, February 19, 1914, see here)
Cow swallows Snake
Mr P. Einsiedel, of Monomeith, recently had a singular experience. He purchased a cow at a high figure, and some time afterwards the animal died without any apparent reason. A post mortem which was held revealed the fact that there was a snake about 18 inches long in her lung; having evidently been swallowed by the cow. (Lang Lang Guardian, April 25, 1917, see here)
Cow swallows snake.
Lang Lang Guardian April 25, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119514347
Copperheads plentiful
Garfield - Owing to the dry spell, snakes of the copper head variety have been more plentiful in the district than they have been for years. (The Age, February 26, 1923, see here)
A Dangerous Plaything. Child Bitten by Snake
Garfield - Edith Jackson, aged 6 years, was bitten by a snake on the calf of the leg whilst playing with other children on a farm at Iona, on Saturday. It appears that the children were amusing themselves with the reptile, when it attacked the little girl and struck her on the leg. Several young men who were playing cricket nearby applied first-aid measures, and motored the child to Bunyip for medical treatment. She is now out of danger. (The Age, January 1, 1924, see here)Child Bitten by Snake
Garfield - The daughter of Mr. Young was bitten by a snake on Saturday evening. After first aid had been applied the child was taken to the Bunyip private hospital. She is now out of danger. (The Age, March 2, 1926, see here)
Garfield - The daughter of Mr. Young was bitten by a snake on Saturday evening. After first aid had been applied the child was taken to the Bunyip private hospital. She is now out of danger. (The Age, March 2, 1926, see here)
Snake Bite and Compensation. Employer’s Liability
Though the amount involved was small, a case under the Workers' Compensation Act that came before Judge Winneke last week was of particular interest to employers of labor, as indicating to some extent their liabilities under the act. William Ernest Humble, of Garfield, laborer, was employed by David McLennan, of Catani, farmer. On 25th November last he was removing sheaves of hay in a paddock, when he was bitten on the little finger of the right hand by a snake. As a result he was incapacitated for four weeks, and he made a claim under the Workers' Compensation Act for £8. The facts were admitted and the amount of damage was admitted if it could be proved that claimant was entitled to damages. His Honor said in his opinion the snake bite was directly caused by applicant's employment. He was picking up sheaves of hay presumably with his hands. This was necessary in the performance of his work. It rendered him liable to snake bite. Therefore he would make an order for £8 compensation, with costs to be fixed. (West Gippsland Gazette, July 5, 1927, see here) [This case was also reported on in The Age, June 17, 1926, see here]
Bitten by Snake at Five Mile
Mr J. O'Brien, employed by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Five Mile, was bitten by a snake on Monday. After receiving first-aid he was conveyed to Kooweerup, where he received attention from Dr Hewitt. He has now recovered from the effects of the injury. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 3, 1927, p.4).
A narrow escape at Bayles
Mr J. Kane had a narrow escape from being bitten by a snake at Bayles on Thursday last. He sat down on a log to have a rest, when he felt something soft and got a surprise when he found that he was also sitting on a snake. He leapt forward and the reptile endeavoured to escape, but Mr Kane quickly despatched it. It is surmised that Mr Kane had the snake pinioned by the head, which prevented it from biting. Snakes are very plentiful and within the past fortnight a dozen have been killed in the Kooweerup township. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 3, 1927, p.4).
Snake Disturbed in Hay
Frank Creber whilst removing some hay on his brother's farm at Caldermeade was bitten by a brown snake. He was taken into Lang Lang for treatment, and subsequently recovered. (The Age, August 25, 1928, see here)
Wound Scarified by Motorists
Albert Chapman an employee of Mr C. Cam, farmer of Lang Lang East, was bitten on the leg by a brown snake 3ft 6in in length. He killed the snake, tied a ligature above the wound, and rode four miles into Lang Lang to a doctor. Before he reached the doctor he met some motorists who had a snake bite outfit. They scarified the wound, and Chapman is now out of danger. (The Argus, January 15, 1929, see here)
Wound Scarified by Motorists
Albert Chapman an employee of Mr C. Cam, farmer of Lang Lang East, was bitten on the leg by a brown snake 3ft 6in in length. He killed the snake, tied a ligature above the wound, and rode four miles into Lang Lang to a doctor. Before he reached the doctor he met some motorists who had a snake bite outfit. They scarified the wound, and Chapman is now out of danger. (The Argus, January 15, 1929, see here)
Snake at Railway Station
Last Thursday evening a commotion was caused at the Kooweerup Railway Station by the appearance of a brown snake about 3ft. long on the platform. The reptile had the audacity to make its appearance from under the Strezlecki line office, but on seeing a number of people about found a hole in the wall of the ladies waiting room and quickly made its exit. One young fellow rushed into the office for a cricket bat, with the intention of displaying a Jackson stroke, but the reptile disappeared with the rapidity of a ball despatched by Larwood (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 14, 1929, p. 2)
Note: Jackson stroke - presumably named for Archie Jackson, described as a a stylish and elegant batsman, with a genius for timing and placement and who faced Harold Larwood, the English bowler, in the 1928/29 Test series. Jackson sadly died in Brisbane in 1933, aged only 23 years of age, of tuberculosis. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Jackson]
Arthur Stevens, aged 19 years, employed by Mr. W. Parker, of Caldermeade, was stooking hay yesterday when he was bitten on the ankle by a tiger snake. He killed the snake and scarified the wound. He was then driven into Lang Lang for medical treatment. He appears to be out of danger. This is the second time he had been bitten by a snake. (The Argus, December 31, 1930, see here)
Bitten by Snake
Mr M. Murton, while engaged on Mr W. Goble's farm, Kooweerup, last Thursday felt a sharp sting on the arm, but went on with his task. Later he found his arm beginning to swell and punctures from a snake bite were found. Immediately a ligature was applied and the usual measures taken to counteract the poison, after which he was conveyed to the surgery of Dr. Hewitt. Mr Murton quicky recovered form the effect of the bite. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 5, 1931, p.1)
Mr M. Murton, while engaged on Mr W. Goble's farm, Kooweerup, last Thursday felt a sharp sting on the arm, but went on with his task. Later he found his arm beginning to swell and punctures from a snake bite were found. Immediately a ligature was applied and the usual measures taken to counteract the poison, after which he was conveyed to the surgery of Dr. Hewitt. Mr Murton quicky recovered form the effect of the bite. (Koo Wee Rup Sun, February 5, 1931, p.1)
While lighting a fire at Garfield North, Mr Ron Towt was bitten on the left wrist by a snake last Tuesday week. His father (Mr E. Towt) scarified the wound and applied a ligature. Beyond suffering the discomforts of a swollen arm, he felt no ill-effect.
(Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 15, 1931, p. 1)
Snake Caught Eating Bread
Koo Wee Rup - For several weeks a resident of the district has found that bread left in a box outside his house by the baker has been nibbled and he has blamed mice for it. But when a tramp was passing the box today he saw the tail of a snake protruding from it. He crept towards the box and found that the snake was eating the bread. He killed the snake. (The Argus, March 18, 1933, see here)
Dropped live snakes in solicitor's office. “Mischief” Charge Fails.
A man who had terrified a solicitor's stenographer by releasing six live snakes in her office was acquitted in the Criminal Court yesterday. A bottle of "pickled" snakes was an exhibit in the case. William Connelly, 53, farmer, of Lang Lang, was charged with assaulting Miss Gwendolyn May Gilchrist, stenographer, of Hill St, Thornbury, by throwing six venomous snakes at her feet, thereby putting her in fear of injury, and doing an unlawful act tending to cause, or effect, a public mischief by releasing live snakes in the office of A. L. C. Flint and Marrie, solicitors, of Queen st. Accused pleaded not guilty to both charges, and after a short retirement the jury found him not guilty. He was discharged.
Connelly said that the snakes were harmless, as he had "milked" them for venom on the way to Flint's office. They would not hurt a two year-old child. The Crown alleged that Connelly had gone to the office of Messrs A. L. C. Flint and Marrie, solicitors, on December 6 last after a land sale had fallen through. He had paid a deposit of £100 and the solicitors had deducted £6/6/ costs, returning the balance to accused. Apparently accused did not like having the £6/6/ deducted. Gwendolyn May Gilchrist, stenographer, said that when accused called at the office she told him that Mr Flint was not in. He said he wanted to leave a parcel in Mr Flint's room. Witness then asked him to leave the parcel in her room.
"You had better see what I am putting in Mr Flint's room," replied accused. He then took a package from a gladstone bag, and six snakes fell to the floor. Witness ran into another room, and accused then left the office. "I had a small attack of hysterics," added the witness. Accused, in evidence, said he brought the six snakes to the city in an oatmeal bag. At Flinders Street station he put the snakes in a wash basin and extracted venom from four of the snakes. The other two were too young to have venom. He took every precaution against hurting Miss Gilchrist. He intended to frighten Mr Flint and to bring up the scandal of land sales. Accused said he found the snakes in the bush and kept them, as they would probably have died because the swamps were drying up. He fed the two big copperheads and four little ones for about three months. They were very quiet around his camp and were around when he and his family were having their meals.
Accused then related an incident of a visitor having a cup of tea at his place while the snakes were hanging around. "I could see by the look on his face that he wasn't comfortable, so I put the snakes in a biscuit tin so that he could enjoy his cup of tea," added accused. "My dog got on well with the snakes," Connelly said. "I could coil a copperhead around the dog's neck and the dog would not worry about it."
Mr W. S. Sproule, KC, prosecuted, and accused conducted his own defence. (The Argus, August 26, 1947, see here)
Snake Caught Eating Bread
Koo Wee Rup - For several weeks a resident of the district has found that bread left in a box outside his house by the baker has been nibbled and he has blamed mice for it. But when a tramp was passing the box today he saw the tail of a snake protruding from it. He crept towards the box and found that the snake was eating the bread. He killed the snake. (The Argus, March 18, 1933, see here)
George survived a bite from a five-feet tiger-snake - see story below.
The Herald, March 26, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243321692
Brothers' Courage
Snakebite Sequel - Night ride
White, and shaking after a wild night ride of nearly 50 miles, George Wells, 20, of Lang Lang, who was bitten by a five-foot tiger-snake yesterday afternoon, told in the Melbourne Hospital today a story
of brotherly pluck and bush fortitude, which reflects the resource of a family used to dealing with such dangers. His elder brother, Jack, 24, was bitten by a tiger-snake only 12 days ago, and the brothers have had many encounters with the species. George Well's life was probably saved by the swift action of his 15-year-old brother, Don, who chopped off his brother's finger with an axe.
"CUT IT OFF"
"I was cutting ferns a mile and a half from the farm at Grantville, near Lang Lang, where two of my brothers and I have been 'baching,"' said Wells. Don and Jack Hemingway, of Alphington, were with me. I walked away from them into a nearly dry creek, and was chopping with the axe at the roots of a nice maiden-hair fern when I put my hand into the roots to loosen it, and immediately felt a sharp bite.
"I pulled away my hand, and a tiger-snake five feet long came with it. I shook it off, yelled to the others, and ran towards them. "'Cut it off,' I said to Don, handing him the axe, and laying my finger - the forefinger of the left hand - on a log.
"DIDN'T SAY WORD"
"He didn't say a word, but went white and clenched his teeth. He raised the axe, and did a good clean job. Then he fell to the grass, sobbing. Meanwhile, Hemingway had taken the lace out of my shoe and tied a ligature around my finger. "I set off at a run for the farm, leaving the others well behind. My father and a friend, who were on a visit from Melbourne, saw me coming, just about 'all out.' Dad's friend, Mr Bob Harvey, of Northcote, cut some rope and tied another ligature on the arm, which went
numb. "They put me into a farm truck and took me to Lang Lang. "Mr Harvey made me sing songs on
the way to keep my spirits up.
BROTHER BITTEN
'We had not gone far before the engine began to give out. Just then a service car came along, and I was transferred to it, and taken to Dr Appleford's at Lang Lang. There the truck caught me up, and I was sent in it to Melbourne. "On the way the battery gave out and we came on to Melbourne without lights.
There I was put into a relative's car and taken to the Melbourne Hospital."
George, Don and Jack Wells were digging with mattocks on Wednesday week when Jack was bitten by a small tiger-snake. For a few moments his finger, like his brother's, was in jeopardy, for the
brothers debated whether to cut it off with a mattock. Jack decided the question for himself, however, cutting the finger with a razor-blade, and applying a ligature, with no subsequent ill-effects. After his harrowing task, Don Wells became very ill, and is still feeling the shock. (The Herald, March 26, 1934, see here)
Just In Case
Although Dr. A. B. Hewitt said that he had not seen a case of tiger snake bite in the district for 17 years, he recommended that a supply of tiger snake anti-venene be obtained by the council and made available if necessary. He made this recommendation, he added, because Cr. Greaves had informed him that there were some "tigers” up in the Cranbourne end of the shire. They were mostly black, brown, and copperheads down in the swamp. Cr. H. Kirkham said that he had not seen a tiger snake in his end of the shire in 40 years but he believed they had been seen in the country behind the Cranbourne racecourse.
Dr. Hewitt said that as a rule people did not know what kind of snake had bitten them, but even if a person had not been bitten by a tiger, the anti-venene would not hurt them. If they had, then, it would be practically a life-saver. Council decided to make the purchase and leave the distribution to the doctor. (Dandenong Journal, March 11, 1942, see here)
Dropped live snakes in solicitor's office. “Mischief” Charge Fails.
A man who had terrified a solicitor's stenographer by releasing six live snakes in her office was acquitted in the Criminal Court yesterday. A bottle of "pickled" snakes was an exhibit in the case. William Connelly, 53, farmer, of Lang Lang, was charged with assaulting Miss Gwendolyn May Gilchrist, stenographer, of Hill St, Thornbury, by throwing six venomous snakes at her feet, thereby putting her in fear of injury, and doing an unlawful act tending to cause, or effect, a public mischief by releasing live snakes in the office of A. L. C. Flint and Marrie, solicitors, of Queen st. Accused pleaded not guilty to both charges, and after a short retirement the jury found him not guilty. He was discharged.
Connelly said that the snakes were harmless, as he had "milked" them for venom on the way to Flint's office. They would not hurt a two year-old child. The Crown alleged that Connelly had gone to the office of Messrs A. L. C. Flint and Marrie, solicitors, on December 6 last after a land sale had fallen through. He had paid a deposit of £100 and the solicitors had deducted £6/6/ costs, returning the balance to accused. Apparently accused did not like having the £6/6/ deducted. Gwendolyn May Gilchrist, stenographer, said that when accused called at the office she told him that Mr Flint was not in. He said he wanted to leave a parcel in Mr Flint's room. Witness then asked him to leave the parcel in her room.
"You had better see what I am putting in Mr Flint's room," replied accused. He then took a package from a gladstone bag, and six snakes fell to the floor. Witness ran into another room, and accused then left the office. "I had a small attack of hysterics," added the witness. Accused, in evidence, said he brought the six snakes to the city in an oatmeal bag. At Flinders Street station he put the snakes in a wash basin and extracted venom from four of the snakes. The other two were too young to have venom. He took every precaution against hurting Miss Gilchrist. He intended to frighten Mr Flint and to bring up the scandal of land sales. Accused said he found the snakes in the bush and kept them, as they would probably have died because the swamps were drying up. He fed the two big copperheads and four little ones for about three months. They were very quiet around his camp and were around when he and his family were having their meals.
Accused then related an incident of a visitor having a cup of tea at his place while the snakes were hanging around. "I could see by the look on his face that he wasn't comfortable, so I put the snakes in a biscuit tin so that he could enjoy his cup of tea," added accused. "My dog got on well with the snakes," Connelly said. "I could coil a copperhead around the dog's neck and the dog would not worry about it."
Mr W. S. Sproule, KC, prosecuted, and accused conducted his own defence. (The Argus, August 26, 1947, see here)
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