SERIOUS RESULT OF A JOKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8877, 31 July 1907, Page 2

SERIOUS RESULT OF A JOKE.

The terrible sequel to a “joke” of two British workmen was told at the Thames Police Court, when two labourers Henry Davidsou and Jaines Limburgh—were charged with causing “grievous bodily harm’.’ to a fellow workman, Matthew Fitzgerald. The throe men, who are engaged at a Limehouse biscuit factory, were eating their breakfast when ouo of them fixed the hook of a crane in a scarf which was round Fitzgerald’s neck. The machinery was then started, and the unfortunate victim went swinging into the air. His frightened comrades, not knowing how to check the machinery, ran up to the top floor with the intention of catching Fitzgerald and drawing him into' safety. The scarf gave way, however, and Fitzgerald fell a distance of 50 feet. It was afterwards found that his thigh was broken, and that he had sustained severe internal injuries. Davidsou and Limburgh both pleaded that ‘‘ it was duly douo for a lark. 1 ’ Fitzgerald’s life was stated to 1)0 in danger, and ilia f\VQ men were remanded on bail.