ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

Evening Star, Issue 21631, 29 January 1934, Page 7

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

RACING FATALITY, apprentice rider killed; [Per United 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 the successful apprentice rider, George Albert Baker, aged nineteen. Baker had a mount on the two-year-old Kellv, which was having his first race, and just before turning, into the straight the rider was thrown, heavily, striking a wooden rail. In his fall he received a fracture of the thigh, concussion, and internal injuries, and died in'the Auckland Hospital at 5.20 p.ni., about two hours, and a-half, after the Baker was the second son of Mr and Mrs G. A. Baker, of Motumaolio, near Morrinsville. Being small and having a liking for horses, he decided to become a jockey, and, for about three years, he has been associated with the stable of Mr George Paul, of Te; Awamutu. Mr Paul said that he had the greatest admiration for the conduct of the boy and the progress he had made, and felt the loss as keenly as if the boy belonged’ to bis own family. Baker’s grandfather, > Mr Charles Baker, won the Auckland Trotting Cup with Typewriter in 1006. An inquiry regarding 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 gifth had broken, allowing the saddle to slip. Baker’s mother journeyed to Auckland when she was notified of the accident, but he died when she was on the way. The inquest was opened last evening, and, after evidence of identification had been given, an adjournment was made. As a mark: of respect the jockeys at the Takapuna races to-morrow will wear arm bands. YOUTH DROWNED. GALLANT ATTEMPT AT RESCUE FAILS. ' [Pee United Peess Association.l \ AUCKLAND, January 28. Swept out of his depth by the strong current, a youth named Clarence Johnson, aged "nineteen, of Mangere, was drowned in Pukaki Creek, a tidal estuary of the Manukau. A gallant effort to save the drowning youth was made by a young man named James Gallacher, who entered the water almost fully clothed and reached Johnson as he was sinking. Diving after the youth Gallacher caught him by the hair, but the force of the current broke ins grasp. , The deceased was employed on a farm, and went bathing with companions, none of whom, was able to swim. The body was found in a water hole. Artificial respiration was tried without avail. HIT BY MOTOR CAR. Knocked down by a motor car at the corner of Fingall and Melbourne streets, South Dunedin, Malcolm’ Livingstone, a married man aged fortythree, residing at 73 Fingall street, received abrasions to the face, whilst he was also suffering from shock when admitted to hospital at 6.45 on Saturday evening.