PRISONERS SET FREE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 30, 5 February 1931, Page 14

PRISONERS SET FREE

EXCELLENT SERVICES SPLENDID RESCUE WORK

(By "The Post's" Special Reporter.) NAPIER, This Day. As soon as the earthquake subsided, 'prisoners in the Napier gaol and those awaiting trial in the lock-up were released on parole to assist in the,rescue work. One of the prisoners awaiting trial climbed the face of Dr. Moore's Hospital on the Marine parade and rescued Mr. G. Husheer, manager of the National Tobacco Co., Ltd., who was lying in bed on the/ third floor of thq building. '■ Tho prisoner, seeing Mr. Husheer in his room, jumped up and caught hold of some overhanging lattice work. He then pulled himself on to a small balcony, and reached a fire escape leading to Mr. Husheer's room. When he entered the room two other prisoners went to his assistance, taking up positions below the window of the invalid. The first prisoner then brought Mr. Husheer to the window, and between the three of them they managed to get him to the ground in safety. A GIRL TRAPPED. Almost1 as soon as Mr. Husheer had reached the ground the building gave a lurch and settled backwards on to its foundations, trapping a girl in the j basement at the rear of the premises. The girl was afterwards rescued, unhurt, but suffering severely from shock. After he had rescued Mr. Husheer the firsj; prisoner assisted the fire fighters, and then did yeoman service at the Public Hospital His actions have earned the unstinted praise of everyone who has heard of the incident. All prisoners in the gaol at the foot of Coote road were released, and gave excellent service.

One prisoner, who was working in a quarry adjoining the gaol, was killed by a fall of rock. Several others were seriously injured.

The lighthouse on the Bluff Hill was not seriously damaged, and it was kept burning last night by the prisoners.