Recognition Of Brave Rescue Recommended

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 16

Recognition Of Brave Rescue Recommended

(New Zealand Press Association)

TIMARU, Nov. 16. Two South Canterbury men, who showed great courage in rescuing an electrical serviceman after he came into contact with an 11,000volt circuit on November 5, have been recommended for recognition by the Royal Humane Society. They are Messrs G. F. Gee, a power board serviceman, of Geraldine, and J. A Stanley, a New Zealand Electricity Department lineman, of Timaru. About 4 pm. on November 5. Livingstone George Rae, aged 38, a power board in-spector-serviceman at Temuka, was badly burned when his right arm and left leg came into contact with the circuit on a multi-pole structure at Springfield substation. north of Temuka. •These two men went, at great personal risk, to Mr Rae’s aid,” Mr C. C. Knight told the monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Elec-tric-Power Board in *Timaru today.

’’Gee did not know if the power was on or off when he ran up a ladder to rescue Mr Rae. He was immediately followed by Stanley. It only wanted one of these men to

have touched the circuit and all three would have been engulfed in flame.” Members of the board considered a confidential report on. the accident Later, in open meeting, they adopted the following motion by Messrs Knight and E. R. Comer:— “That the board express its appreciation of the action of Messrs Gee and Stanley who, at great personal risk, went to the assistance of Mr Rae. who had suffered a severe electric shock and bums . . . and whose critical condition would have been immeasurably worse, if not immediately fatal, without such assistance. And that their action be referred to the Royal Humane Society with the suggestion that their courageous deed be recognised in an appropriate manner.” After initial treatment at Timaru Hospital for thirddegree burns. Mr Rae was transferred to Burwood Hospital Christchurch. On November 13 he was moved to Wellington Public Hospital where his condition tonight was reported to be serious.