ACCIDENT AT BATHS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 117, 15 February 1928, Page 10

ACCIDENT AT BATHS

f DISTINGUISHED VISITOR’S NARROW ESCAPE Dominion Special Service. Auckland, February 14. On liis way to enjoy a morning swim at the Parnell baths, the former Governor of South Australia, General Sir Tom Bridges, who is on a visit to New Zealand, had a narrow escape from a serious accident. Workman. were engaged in removing the old pa}’ office, which is on the landing near the bottom of a long flight of steps which lead itoni the reserve to the baths. A couple of steps immediately above the landing had evidently become loosened. Unknowingly, the General stepped on them. They gave way beneath him, and had he not grasped suddenly at a handrail he .would have fallen about 20 feet to the ground beneath. Sir' Tom Bridges was quickly hauled up on to the steps again, and then it was. found that his artificial leg, the result of a war injury, was badly damaged by the fall, so much so that he could not waik on it. However, he proceeded to have his morning dip. It is characteristic of the man that he did not reveal his identity to his helpers, or to the caretaker of the baths. He was helped to the dressing sheds, and changed in common with other bathers who were unaware of the presence of such a distinguished guest. He enjoyed his swim with Lord Grimthorpe, and a member of bis own partv, and then quite cheerfully commenced the task of climbing up 01’1 one leg what is known bv ftequenters of the baths as "Jacob’s ladder.” Even for an ordinary individual this is quite a considerable climb, but the General managed it well with the aid of the sticks which he always use s.