FALL OF TWENTY FEET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22006, 12 January 1935, Page 10

FALL OF TWENTY FEET

ACCIDENT TO LINESMAN

SPINAL INJURIES RECEIVED

CONDITION FAIRLY SERIOUS

While working on the platform of one of the Auckland Transport Board's "tower" lorries in Broadway, Newmarket, shortly before 6 o clock last evening, a linesman, Mr. Charles Edward Gregory, aged 32, of 7 Dorset Street, Westmere, was struck by a falling wire and fell 20ft. to the ground. He suffered spinal injuries and was taken by a St. John ambulance to the Auckland Hospital. Until an X-ray examination has been made, the extent of his injuries will not be known, but his condition was reported last night to be fairly serious. Repair work was being effected closo to the junction of Khyber Pass Road and Broadway. The pole from a tram had left the power line, and in striking one of the suspension span wires had loosened it. Mr. Gregory was preparing to carry out repairs when the line suddenly broke clear and knocked him off the platform. He fell on the small of his back, narrowly missing a trafiic policeman who was standing at the intersection. Although ho did not lose consciousness, it was obvious ho was seriously hurt, and it is feared ho may have received internal injuries in addition t>o the shock to the spinal column.

Mr. Gregory, who is married, is well known in Auckland as a footballer. Ho was formerly a Rugby player, and represented Auckland in 1922 and 1923. Later he changed over to the League code. He represented Auckland for several seasons and also toured England with the last New Zealand League team. Lately he has been coaching.