SENSATION AT OAMARU.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9348, 18 January 1909, Page 8

SENSATION AT OAMARU.

\ BLAND HOLT’S NARROW ’ ESCAPE.

An accident which might have "been attended with very serious results to Mr Bland Holt and Mr Maxwell, of the Bland Holt Company , occurred at Oamarn on Wednesday night daring the performance of “The Great Millionaire.” Briefly, the particulars are these: The accident occurred in the last act, in the scene Vhich introduces the race between two motor cars. The first car got across the stage safely, trot the pursuing oar, the occupants of which were Mr Holt and Mr Maxwell, got out of hand, and instead of stopping in the middle of the stage made straight for the footlights. Mr Maxwell out on the footlights, and tried to hold the car. Mr Holt stuck to the steering wheel, and with the car dashed over into the stalls. The oar turned a complete somersault, with Mr Holt underneath, and fell with a terrific crash into the stalls. How Mr Holt escaped serious injury is a mystery, for the oar had to be lifted clear before the popular actormanager could be dragged from underneath. It was then discovered that Mr Holt had received a severe shaking, a cut on the forehead, and a bruised shoulder. The incident caused something of a panic, particularly in the front stalls, where ladies screamed and fainted. In the pit, forms were broken by people trying to get to the windows. The orchestra rail was smashed, and the gentleman who was playing the double bass had a narrow escape, the car rolling almost on top of him. Mr Holt’s thoughtfulness for the safety of others was well exemplified when, on recovering from the shock, he inquired anxiously if anyone had been hurt. The car was lifted back on to the stage by willing hands, and the play proceeded ag if nothing unusual had happened. Mr Holt, who had had such a narrow escape, met with a great reception on his reappearance. At the conclusion of the play a doctor attended to Mi flolt’s injuries, and advised him not o attend the theatre the following evening. Mr Holt spout rather a bad night, but he is expected to he quite recovered in a few days. This is the second occasion on which Mr Holt has met with a similar accident. In Adelaide a few months ago, during the performance of “The White Heather,” Mr Holt, while riding a bicycle, toppled over into tiro stalls, receiving injuries which kept him confined to his j ■ room for two weeks. '