LEAP TO DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1925, Page 3

LEAP TO DEATH

MAN JUMPS OFF HIGH BRIDGE. [ilY TFI.KOItAI'n—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND. December 29. Pedestrians on Grafton Bridge shortly after two o’clock this afternoon, were horrified to see a young man take a fatal leap from the parapet, about 99 feet from the ground. The body has been identified as that of James Rule, a single man, aged 25 years, a resident of the Waihi.

Rule was crossing the bridge from Symonds Street, and had not gone far when lie stopped a pedestrian, and said:—“ls this the highest point of'this bridge, mate?” Thinking the query was merely the idle conversation of a mail obviously under the influence of liquor, the pedestrian nodded in the direction of the middle of the bridge, and then asked Rule if lie knew where he was going. Tho reply was: “ I am on Grafton Bridge, aren’t T? I’m going across.” Rule then muttered something unintelligible 'about being half way across. Thinking he might prove garrulous, his informant told him to move on and keep straight ahead, and he would reach Park Road. Rule said: “Thanks mate.” and walked on. He apparently proceeded only a few steps and then mounted the parapet of the bridge and jumped over. A woman and a man were passing Rule when he climbed the wall, hut his action was so sudden that they did not realise bis intention.

The body struck the ground in a clearing within a foot of a tombstone enclosure. Rule was breathing his last when Dr Murray reached him within five minutes. 11 is head had apparently struck the ground first, and the external injuries suggested that there was probable a fracture of the skull. Rule had a wallet in his possession containing £'9 in hank notes in his breast pocket. Dr Murray found a portion of a yellow cigarette packet, which was later found to hear the words. “ Harry Dwver understands.”