THE TRAPEZE AND ITS VICTIMS.

Southland Times, Issue 1677, 17 December 1872, Page 3

THE TRAPEZE AND ITS VICTIMS.

Minnie, the gymnast, who has been performing at the Theatre Royal for some time, met with an accident on Friday night, while on the single trapeze. She was " doing" the " drop," in which act she should catch the rope at either end of the trapeze bar with her feet, but missing, she fell into the stalls from a height of ten feet. Fortunately for her the fall was broken by her coming into ' contact with the head and shoulders of Mr Rosillion, her instructor. When picked up she was found to be in an unconscious state, and Dr. Cruikshank's services were speedily obtained. The doctor, having examined her injuries, stated that there were a few abrasions of the head, face, etc., but they were not of a serious nature. Her head was penetrated by one of her hairpins, which caused the blood to flow freely. She was shortly afterwards removed to her residence, where every attention was paid to her wounds. We made inquiry subsequently as to the cause of the accident, and were informed, that the girl fainted while upon the trapeze bar, and must have " dropped" while in an unconscious condition. Her injuries are not dangerous. Dangerous or not, however, they serve to »how how very wrong such exhibitions are, and we have protested against them time after time. We hold that sensational exhibitions of this sort are best avoided altogether, and it is a matter of fact that no one would go to «cc them were the danger element eliminated from the programme. If the performance were safe, no one would stir a step to witness it. This was proved in London, when, in obedience to public opinion, as expressed through the press, a net was placed beneath the performers of " lofty tumbling," upon which the public suddenly deserted witnessing feats which were robbed of their terror. There should be a law, however, to prevent similar accidents from occurring. There are lawß made which prevent people from slaughtering others, and the case in point demands equal legislation. — Bendigo Independent.