MAN BADLY MAULED.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20259, 30 July 1937, Page 7

MAN BADLY MAULED.

EX-RECTOR OF STIFFKEY. THE SPECTATORS lIORROR-STR Clv United Tress Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, July 29. A lion sprang at and severely mauled Mr. Harold Davidson, former rector of Stlffkey, Norfolk, while he was speaking at the Skegness Amusement Park from a cage containing a lion and lioness, lie tripped over the lioness while stepping back and the lion attacked, him. Mr. Davidson defended himself with a stick until Renee Sorner, a JG-year-old attendant, who was standing outside, courageously dashed into the cage and held Ihe snarling lion at bay with a whip while she thrust an iron bar into its mouth. The spectators stood horror stricken and women screamed and. fainter!. Renee Sorner, having forced the lion into a corner, dragged Mr. DavidFoil to the Trout of the capo, thus enabling attendants to complete the rescue. She fainted immediately after slip left the cage.

Mr. Davidson was taken to hospital in a grave condition, suffering from shock and claw wounds on one shoulder and on his back.

The Rev. Harold F. Davidson, rector of Stiffkey, was charged in March, 1932, before the Norwich Consistory Court, with a series of grave acts of misconduct. In August of Hie same year Mr. Davidson was inhibited from holding church services in Hip diocese of Norwich until the sentence of the Consistory Court was known. Mr. Davidson made a vigorous defence of his case, and to allegations of constant associal lon with women replied that lie was engaged in rescue work. The Consistory Court found him guiltv of immoral conduct and he appealed lo Ihe Privy Council, but his appeal was dismissed.