ACCIDENT TO A CONSTABLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6838, 17 October 1883, Page 5

ACCIDENT TO A CONSTABLE.

E.-ex constables in the performance of their duties are not free from accidents, notwithstanding tho popular theories, but on the contrary they seem to be more subject to them than other folks. There is a by-law requiring that skylights on verandahs should he protected by iron bars or notting, but it would appear as if this by-law was more honoured m the breach than the observance, and one constable at least will take an activo interest in enforcing its provisions. Constable Burns was on duty in Queen-street at an early hour yesterday morniug. He saw some one climb up a post of the verandah over Mr. H. Payne's jeweller's shop, and suspecting a burglary, lie took measures to secure his nun. Calling a comrade off an adjoining beat, Constable Burns mounted a ladder to pursue tho invader, but his enthusiasm was greater than his caution. Treading on a large verandah ight over Mr. Payne's shop, he astonished his comrade and himself by falling through to the footpath, a height of some ten feet, lhe result was he was very seriously shaken and unable to move. Medical assistance was procured, and Constable Burns was taken to the police barracks. Besides the shake which has almost crippled him for tha present, it is found that the Small bone of his light arm is broken. Last night he appeared to be progressing an well as could bo expected. He was able to limp up and down stairs, but not without uonio suffering. In the meantime, what had become of the burglar? He was not a burglar at all, only a lodger in Maiden's boarding-house, situated above Mr. Montague's shop and adjoining Mr. Payne's. He had staid out too late, and finding the doors closed against him ho climbed up the verandah post and got in by the window. ......