DRAMA ON BRIDGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22463, 6 July 1936, Page 10

DRAMA ON BRIDGE

YOUNG WOMAN RESCUED

EARLY MORNING INCIDENT TAXI-DRIVER'S PROMPT ACT SEQUEL IN POLICE COURT Rescued by a taxi driver when sbe already had one leg over the parapet of Grafton Bridge at about 2.45 on Eridav morning, after attending a ball in the city, a young woman, whose name wns suppressed, pleaded guilty in the Police Court on Saturday, before Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., to a charge of attempting to commit suicide. Sub-Inspector Fox said the incident occurred about halfway across the bridge. A taxi driver saw accused, who was wearing evening dress, looking down into the gully. He stopped to inquire if she were not well. She jumped on to the parapet and had one leg over as he reached her. They struggled until assistance arrived. She was taken to hospital, where she was detained until summoned to Court.

Parents in Australia The sub-inspector added that the young woman had been at a ball. \\ hen her escort and some of his friends became intoxicated she decided to go home alone. She had some drink herself and apparently this, with the effect of recent loss of sleep, had something to do with her attempt to commit suicide. She came to Auckland from Australia in January and recently took a flat in the city. Her parents in Australia sent her 30s a week and she was taking a commercial course. In reply to the magistrate, the accused said she did not go to many She admitted having liquor at the ball, but said she was perfectly sober. She had been studying too much and had suffered from sleeplessness for about three weeks. It was her desire to finish her studies and return to her home in Sydney at Christmas. " I will never try it again," she said.

Magistrate's Advice " I could send you to prison for 12 months on tin's charge," said the magistrate. " But, I do not suppose that would do you much good. I do not want to enter a conviction against you. However, you should refrain from taking liquor. Everyone else may do it, but it is not a good plan to do what everyone else does. You do not want to be like a lot of sheep and follow what others do."

Accused's cousin, who was in Court, said she would stay with her, and the magistrate adjourned the charge for six months.

" I hope my people will not hear of this," said accused.