A STRATFORD MAN'S MISFORTUNE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 150, 16 June 1908, Page 4

A STRATFORD MAN'S MISFORTUNE.

That the people ol Stratford are sympathetic, and show their sympathy iii a practical manner, was borne out on Friday night (says tlx* Post), when, in spite of the very inclement weather, alxjut seventy men assembled in the Borough Council Chambers to discuss the best- method of helping Mr. T, ' Roberts and his family in their trouble. ]fis Worship the Mayor (Mr, U. Gangster) occupied the chair. Dr. Paget said thai when the people knew the extent- of Mr. Roberts' injuries they would cheerfully extend their sympathy, lie had seen a great , many bad accident cases in bis time, i but never bad his sympathies been so I arou>ed as when he saw Roberts' sad condition, .lie was horribly smashed. 'Fhe back of his bead and shoulders had been struck by a rock and shoved forward oil to the spokes of the bullock dray in the gravel pit. lie was probably shouting a warning to the other men at the time of the accident, and his face coming in contact with the ] drav everv bone in the mouth "was j crushed, liis teeth being forced right back. His e.yes were completely destroyed. Dr.'Paget said Roberts was a terrible sight when taken to the hospital. but lie had never mcl a man who bore such terrible injuries with the fortitude Roberts had shown. "He was always absolutely plucky, and always absolutely a man. Never a murmur,*'said the doctor. Dr. Paget then came to the unpleasant duty be had performed that day---and be was visibly affected—that of felling Roberts that he was blind, lb' had bad many a hard task to perform, but never one like Ithat. All ' "Roberts said was, '' It'.s a. bad job.* 1 Dr. Paget then moved, "That a subscription fund be started in aid of Tom » Roberts and his family."

The movement was taken up heartily, Oddfellows' anil Druids' lodges volunteering assistance, and committees being set up to arrange for rai.-ing funds. One business man -sen! along ;i good subscription and an oiler to clothe Hie two boy# for two years. A collection will probably W- taken up at the Tu-kapa-Stratford football match on Thursday. and possibly at the TaranakiRritish tixl ore .--Abridged.