A FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 466, 26 April 1890, Page 5

A FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT.

An eye-witnes3 of the accident that occurred to Charles Clarke at the Junction Sawmills, Thames River, gives some further particulars of this truly dreadful catastrophe. The poor fellow was caught by a broken belt that was twisting itself round an axle connecting with the breaking-dow-n saw. The tips of the fingers of the left hand were caught, and in less than an instant the arm was twisted round and broken, first above the wrist, and then at the elbow, and torn off. The scene is described as heartrending. Clarke was lifted up and dropped into the sawdust pit. Tbe upper bone of the arm stood bare for six inches, stripped of flesh and the siDews hanging downf yet in that state the man never fainted or lost consciousness, but he tried to lift himself, and vault as usual out of the pit, which was four feet deep, and, curious to say, he was not aware that his arm was gone, and endeavoured to grasp the sides of the pit with both hands. On being lifted out he remarked, “ I believe I have broken my arm, as I can’t use it.” When he was made aware of the loss, he said, in his usual voice, “ Give us your hand, Bill, I’m crippled for life.” He walked firmly on to the steamboat Mr Gibbons had at once got ready to take him to the Thames Hospital, where, everyone is glad to hear, he is doing well. Mr Clarke was greatly respected by all who knew him, a very strong and active man, and a great leadey in all cricket and football matches. A subscription was at once made to meet present requirements, amongst his fellowworkers, amounting to £2O (exclusive of any other aid). Since bis loss no other single man has been found capable of doing his duty, ar.d it is to be hoped when the poor fellow recovers some easy billet will be found for him, and no doubt will, as he is a very old, and ba3 keen, a very useful hand l ftt tbo iflilh