A SENSATIONAL LEAP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12759, 9 January 1905, Page 6

A SENSATIONAL LEAP.

Stdxet, December 30. Yesterday afternoon's programme of ring event, at the Chinese village fete at the showground terminated in a sensational manner. An item hilled as "A Leap for Life" was announced to take plaeo at halfpast four o'clock, and punctually an athlete named J. A. Hamilton, attired in coloured tights and singlet, appeared to make the leap. A pole about 60ft in height had been erected in the middle of the ring, and beneath it was stretched out on poles about 10ft above the ground a rope net, into which Hamilton was to make his leap. He got on to the net and walked about on it, and apparently was satisfied that it was able to bear the strain which it would bo put to when he fell upon it. A hand was stationed on the spot, and members of the "Wild West Show Company," which has daily given performances at the fete, were assembled near the net. Standing upon the | little platform near the summit of the polo j Hamilton remained erect for a few seconds | and then made his leap. In his descent lie fell feet downwards. His body and legs , gradually changed from a perpendicular position, and he struck the net with the lower j part of his back. The net gave wav along j its whole length, and Hamilton fell" to the | ground. As he landed on his back it was feared ho was seriously injured. Assistance j was at once at hand, and Hamilton was lifted out of the net. The fears of the onlookers that he might, have been badly hurt ■ increased when it was .seen that two men retained a hold of him. However, Hamilton .scon recovered sufficiently from the shock to be able to walk without help, and he was greeted with cheers when he actually ran a short distance. Stimulants were given him, and Hamilton did not seem to 'have been more than dazed. Mr. Page, of tl»j V Civil Ambulance Brigade, promptly attended . upon Hamilton, who had a remarkable escape . from being seriously injured. In the evening he complained of an injury to his shoulder and of shock, and ho did not attempt to again make the leap. Hamilton was of opinion that he landed on his feet as a rent was mado in the net. In the forenoon he made a successful trial of the feat, and the mishap in the afternoon is attributed to a miscalculation in regard to landing in the net.