THE LION ACCIDENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 913, 4 February 1882, Page 3

THE LION ACCIDENT.

A telegram iu the Melbourne Herald gives the following fuller particulars of the accident at Wilson’s circus and menagerie at Aibury :—A dreadful event occurred here yesterday, which caused a most painful sensation. Wilson’s circus and menagerie, pending its departure from Wodonga by special train for Beechwortb, was encamped on the Wharf Reserve. As there was considerable delay, and the weather was very hot, the 'Miter shutters of the lions’ cage we re removed, in order in give the animals as much air as possible. The lions being thus exposed, a large crowd assembled to enjoy a cheap view of them, but. as a precautionary measure two men attached to the circus were told off to watch the cage ; but in spite of the warnings given, John M'Pherson, a labourer, aged 40 years, residing at Aibury, incautiously approached the cage, and before the men could pull him b'ick, coolly put his right band through the bars, apparently with the intention of patting one of the lions. A circus attendant, named Barron, who instantly saw the danger, called out to MTherson, and sprang forward to seize him and pull him back, Barron, however, was too late, for the lion had, with

the quickness of lightning, pounced upon M‘Phsrson’s arm, ami with such force that it was pulled off at the e’la w, a large portion of the muscle above tin 1 elbow adhering to the lower joint, which was taken into the cage by the lion. The severed portion of the arm was then dropped by the lion, and the lioness at once piiked it up and proceeded to devour it. Djerling, the Lion King, however, was on the spot, and boldly entered the cage with a crowbar, with which he freely belabored the lions into a sullen! subjection', and caused the lioness to give up the portion of the limb, which was at once recovered and thrown the cage. Djerling’s conduct was considered most courageous, for both the lion and lioness were in a : state of excitement when he entered the cage. Im the meantime M'Pherson had, without a moment’s delay,-been removed to the Albury Hospital, where the stump of the arm was promptly amputated at the shoulder, but the shock was of such a terrible nature, that at first the recovery of the patient was regarded as almost impossible. Today, however, he has to a considerable extent recovered from the shock to the system, and is doing as well as could be expected. Being a man of fair constitution, hopes of his recovery are now entertained. No blame i-t attached to the circus people, the accident being attributed to the foolishness of M‘Pherson himself.