Risked Death to be Star

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 67, 23 March 1944, Page 3

Risked Death to be Star

A Sydney lifesaver, who, live years ago, underwent a “life or death' ' operation, is now star sprint swimmer of North Bondi Surf Club. He is Laurie Price, aged 27. Nine years ago Price suffered a depressed fracture of th e skull when & motor cycle on which lie was riding collided with a motor lorry. For five days he was unconscious in St. Vincent's Hospital. He underwent a delicate operation by an eminent Sydney brain specialist and was able to go home after a few weeks. Some time later, however, he began to take fits. Five years ago the same specialist, now a member of the A.1.F., asked Price if he would risk a '‘live or death" operation on the chance of greatly improving his condition. Price consented, and the specialist performed what he termed an “experimental" operation. It occupied eight hours. Hip-bone on Skull lie removed portion of Price's brain, and grafted a piece of bone from Price's hip to the front of his skull. PTice was in a dangerous condition for some time, but has not since taken a fit. The specialist told him to have regular, light swimming exercise and sunbake in moderation daily and Price says this has played an important part in his recovery. Now Victor Besomo and other swimming experts rate him among the best ten sprinters in the State. A jeweller by trade, and an honorary bearer for the .Eastern Suburbs Ambulance, Price before he met with the accident, was Randwick Intermediate High School champion athlete (1931-32). During the same season he won Combined High Schools 100 yards and 50 yards running championships. In 1932 he won the 100 yards sprint, 220 yards, and broad jump championships of Bandwick Intermediate High School, and represented in first grade football. Owing to a broken tendon in hi;, left leg sustained at a surf carnival, he does not now compete in athletics. DON’T NEGLECT PILES Neglected piles are dangerous. Zann gives proved relief. 9d. stamps brings trial treatment. Zann Pty.*, Box 9528, (B. M. Appleton, 151 Feathcrston St.), Wellington,