ACCIDENTS & DEATHS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 92, 29 January 1934, Page 8

ACCIDENTS & DEATHS

YOUNG JOCKEY KILLED. • (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, January 28. An accident during the running of the Calliope Handicap at the Takapuna races on Saturday resulted in the death of a successful apprentice rider, George Albert Baker, aged 19. Baker had the mount on the two-year-old Kelly. Just before turning into the straight lie was thrown heavily, striking the wooden rad in his fall. He received a fracture of the thigh, concussion, and internal injuries, and died in the Auckland Hospital at 5.20 p.m., about 2i hours after the race.

Baker was the second son of Mr and Mrs G. A. Baker, of Motumaoho, near Morrinsville. Being small, and having a liking for horses, lie decided to become a jockey, and for about three years was associated with the stable of Mr George Paul, of Te Awamutu. Mr Paul said he had the greatest admiration for the conduct of the hoy, and the progress he had made, and felt the loss as keenly is if the boy belonged to his own family. Baker’s grandfather, Mr Charles Baker, won the Auckland Trotting Cup with Typewriter in 1906. An inquiry into the accident was opened by the judicial committee of the Takapuna Jockey Club, and after evidence had been given by the jockeys engaged in the race, and the observation steward, it was adjourned. It was found that Kelly’s girth had broken, allowing the saddle to slip.

Baker’s mother went to Auckland when notified of the accident, hut he died when she was on the way. An inquest was opened last evening, and after evidence of identification had been given, was adjourned. As a mark of respect, jockeys at the Takapuna races to-morrow will wear arm-hands. YOUTH DROWNED. AUCKLAND, January 28. Swept out of his depth by a strong current, a youth, Clarence Johnson, aged 19, of Mangere, was drowned in Pukaki Creek, a tidal estuary of Mauakau. A gallant effort to save the drowning youth was made by a young man, Janies Gallagher, who entered the water almost fully clothed and reached Johnson as he was sinking. Diving after the youth, Gallagher caught him by the hair, but the force of the current broke his grasp. Deceased was employed on a farm and went bathing with companions. None was able to swim. The body was found in a water hole. Artificial respiration was tried without avail, DEATH AT SEA. INVERCARGILL, January 27. Thomas Harvey, a married man, aged 48, a.trimmer on the Port Napier, was found to bo ill just prior to the vessel reaching port. A wireless message was sent for a doctor, hut on his arrival he found that Harvey was dead.