SPORTS ACCIDENTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 October 1940, Page 4

SPORTS ACCIDENTS

TWO WAIRARAPA COLLEGE PUPILS INJURED. Two pupils of Wairarapa College were admitted to Masterton Hospital yesterday afternoon owing to injuries received when competing in a long jump event in connection with the elimination contests for the annual sports day at the College. The pupils were Rona Smith, Carterton, who suffered a broken leg, and Patricia McArley. Mauriceville, who had an ankle injured. On enquiry at the Masterton Hospiital this morning both children were reported to be in a satisfactory condition. “It is singularly unfortunate,” stated the acting-Principal of Wairarapa College, Mr G. W. Morice, commenting on the accidents this morning. “We have conducted the long jump events for years without any accidents and now we have experienced two at practically the same time. I have cancelled the event.” He added that the accidents occurred yesterday afternoon when the girls’ long jump event (under 14 years) was taking place. The first mishap occurred when Patricia McArley injured her ankle. It was thought at first, that she had sprained her ankle, and the event was continued, but it later transpired that a bone had been broken. Had it been known that the injury was of such a nature the event would have been cancelled. Rona Smith, who won the event, later jumped and broke a leg. Mr Morice observed that the accident was purely a hazard of sport, and expressed his sympathy with the children in their unfortunate accident.