A LUCKY ESCAPE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1928, Page 1

A LUCKY ESCAPE

ACCIDENT TO GENERAL .SIR TOAI BRIDGES. AUCKLAND, Feb. 14. On his way to enjoy a morning swim at 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. Workmen were engaged in removing the old pay oliice, which is on the landing near the bottom of a long flight of steps which lead from tlm 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 the 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 b\i the fall, so much so that ho could not walk on it.

However, Sir 'l’oni did not let the accident deter him from his morning dip. It is characteristic of the man that he did not reveal li is identity to his liel|M?rs or to the caretaker of the baths. He was helped to tlie dressing sheds and there lie removed bis artificial log and (.hanged in common with the other bathers, who were unaware of the presence of such a distinguished guest. He enjoyed his swim with Lord Grimthorpe and a member of his own party, and then quite cheerfuly commenced the task of climbing up on the one leg what is known by frequenters of the baths as “Jacob’s Ladder.” Even for the ordinary individual this is quite a considerable climb, but the General managed it well with the aid of the sticks which he always uses. As for the workmen, when they wore informed that the departed bather was General Sir Tom Bridges, their surprise knew no bounds.