ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1941, Page 4

ACCIDENT VICTIMS

} PRIME MINISTER’S PARTY IN EGYPT CONDITION OF THE INJURED IMPROVES. VISITS TO WOUNDED SOLDIERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) CAIRO, May 29. “That’s that," said Mr Fraser, as he picked himself out of his car which somersaulted four times on the Alex-andria-Cairo road and then landed squarely on its wheels. Three occupants had been flung on the hard sands and two others were inside the car with Mr Fraser. On May 26 the Prime Minister and his party flew from Cairo to Alexandria, where they lunched. In the afternoon they visited New Zealand war wounded from Crete in the Victoria Hospital. It was wonderful how cheerful the boys were. Sir Apirana Ngata’s son is improving rapidly. Mr Fraser gave a word of cheer and comfort to the Maori lad. who received grievous hand wounds during fierce fighting in Crete. At 7 p.m. the party left in two cars for Cairo. Soon after leaving it became apparent that the second car was giving trouble. The first car travelled ahead and, when the journey was half completed, waited for the second car. It was obvious that the second car would continue to give trouble, so the occupants, Mr Jeffery and Captain Downs, joined the Prime Minister. Brigadier Falla and Mr Berendsen in the first car.

The party continued the journey till the accident occurred. The time, verified by a stopped watch, was 9.50 p.m. The right rear tyre blew out and somersaulted the car on to the sand. The occupants of the front seat, the driver, Captain Downs, and Mr Jeffery, were hurled out during the somersault. Mr Berendsen, in the middle of the back seat, retained a remarkably clear picture. He described the feeling of detached interest he experienced as the car left the road. He distinctly counted four somersaults, the last two being very slow.

Brigadier Falla received crushed ribs and a broken left arm. His condition was serious, at first, but is improving rapidly. Mr Jeffery was conscious for some time after the accident, inquiring anxiously about the others’ Later his condition was serious, with delayed concussion, severe body bruises, and a broken arm, but he is now improving. Captain Downs received a broken finger and severe shock. The English driver received a broken thigh. These proceeded to hospital on the night of the accident.

Mr Fraser and Mr Berendsen slept in the Embassy. They were up early next morning, inquiring the condition of the members of the party, and visiting the driver, being pleased at his recovery. In the afternoon they were satisfied with the condition of the others.

It is a tribute to Mr Fraser’s rcmaikable vitality that the accident did not perceptibly upset him. except for deep anxiety concerning the condition of the others. An American correspondent remarked, “Your Prime Minister is a tough guy.”