SECRETARY’S CONDITION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20569, 31 May 1941, Page 5

SECRETARY’S CONDITION

STAFF OFFICERS SUFFER (Per Presß Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. “On his way back from Alexandria to Cairo last Monday, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, and party experienced an unfortunate accident,” says an official statement. “Mr. Fraser had visited New Zealand war wounded and the party proceeded to Cairo in the evening. A blow-out caused the ear to somersault, hurling out three of the occupants before it stopped. All possible care and attention was given by the Prime Minister and Mr.- C. A. Berendsen. Assistance also was given by two South African officers who fortunately came up after the accident, and first aid was rendered by a British first-aid ambulance which had been dispatched to the scene of the accident.

“It is revealed that a senior staff officer suffered a broken left arfn and crushed ribs. Mr. C. A. Jeffery suffered from delayed concussion, severe body bruises, and a broken arm. Another staff officer suffered a broken finger and was suffering from severe shock, while the English driver had a broken thigh. Mr. Fraser and Mr. Berendsen, apart from a few minor bruises, escaped uninjured. They were first taken to a Scottish hospital, where they i - eceived care and kind attention. Later the New Zealand members of the party were taken to the general hospital. The staff officers are improving.”