SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 305, 24 December 1891, Page 5

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

AN OLD MAN FALLS SIXTEEN FEET.

About two o'clock this morning an accident of a serious nature happened to an old man named Johu Roberts. It appears that Roberts had been driven by a cabman named Powley to his place of residence at Mrs Milner's at the corner 01 Shortland and Princes streets, where he occupied two rooms. In order to gain access to these rooms he found it necessary to climb the fence, and get on the top of a lean-to. Roberts succeeded in getting on the roof of the lean-to, buc from there he lost his balance and fell into the back yard, a distance of about; 16 feet, The cabman, who was waiting for hia fare, witnessed the accident, and at once went to the man's assistance. Constable Mathieson was passing Mrs Milner's premises a few minutes after the accident, and found Roberts in the back premises in an unconscious state. He was bleeding profusely from about the head and face, and the latter appeared much disfigured. The man was being attended to by the cabman and Mrs Milner. Afterwards Roberts was removed to the Hospital, where he was examined by Dr. Sommerville, who stated that ths injuries were of a very serious nature, and it was doubtful whether he would recover, there being two deep cuts over and under the right eye, penetrating into the bone, and he was also suffering from concussion of the brain. Roberts is 76 years of age and has been a resident of Auckland for about 30 years. He followed no occupation, but lived on his means, being in receipt of a Government annuityamountingtoabout,-£l6 per quarter. Powley, the cabman, states thatßoberts was perfectly sober when he picked him up and that he could detect no signs of drink.

On inquiry at the Hospital this afternoon we learn thab Roberts is progressing favourably, and hopes are now entertained of his recovery.