ELECTRIC SHOCK

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 19 January 1927, Page 9

ELECTRIC SHOCK

late edition

LINESMAN’S NARROW ESCAPE. UNCONSCIOUS IN MID-AIK. MISHAP IN COLLINS STREET. Hanging precariously by the leg from the ton of a tall ladder, shocked into insensibility, A. Henry, an employee of the Electric Light Company, had a. narrow escape from death in Collins street this morning. More- • over, had it not been for the steadiness and celerity of another of the company’s employees, W. Robinson, it is doubtful if the injured linesman could have been removed from his precarious position without mishap. Henry and Robinson are mates, and have worked together for a long time. They are both well-known Rugby players. Robinson represented his province. Henry is the son of the head of the police force in Hawera. Called to effect repairs in Collins street at about 11 o’clock this morning, Robinson proceeded to trim some shrubbery with a slasher. Henry placed a ladder against an iron power wire pole, and mounted to the top. The mechanical lorry with repair gear lay handy. Work had proceeded for a few minntes when neighbours heard a load cry. It seems that Henrv, while in contact with the pole. Also came in contact with a live wire, and received a heavy shock and was rendered unconscious. One leg caught in the top of the ladder., and as his mate and some of those living in the vieinitv hurried to the scene of the accident they held their breath lest the unconscious man should fall. Without hesitation. Robinson mounted the ladder, secured Henry. and lowered him earefullv. head foremost, to the ground. Medical aid was immedintelv summoned. Tn the meantime efforts were made hy bathing the hands and arms to restore consciousness. T>r. Buist was not in when the rail arrived. so Dr. MgGhie was summoned. In the meantime Dr. Buist arrived and rendered assistance. Prion the arrival of Dr. MoGhie the patient was beginning to return to consciousness. Three hours: after the occurrence. Dr. McGbie informed a representative of this- paper that Mr Henry was doinrr as woll ns oovilcl after the severe de-trie shock. He thonoht the- injured man would . Ik* about his duties in a few days’ time.