EXCITEMENT AT SHOW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23036, 13 May 1938, Page 12

EXCITEMENT AT SHOW

STEER AMONG CROWD EIGHT PEOPLE INJURED [ from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, May 7 Eight persons were injured when a steer jumped a fence in the ring during the New South Wales drafting championships at the Grafton Show to-day, and plunged into the crowd. Those injured were: —Roy Charles Wratten, 10, severe head injuries and shock; Sydney Thomas Wratten, 15, abdominal injuries; Kelso James Wratten, 8, injuries to right arm and shoulder; Mervyn Frederick Wratten, 5, cuts and abrasions; Lily Alice Wratten, 16J, shock; Mavis Evelyn Wratten, slight concussion; Mrs. T C. Wratten. 43, head injuries and severe'shock; Mrs. J. Bellamy, 68. injury to left leg,

All art" in the Grafton. District Hospital. The accident occurred whey S. Livermore, of South Grafton, was trying to turn a steer. The steer dashed across the ring, wheeling and turning, and then made straight for thii ringside, where every seat was occupied, and dozens of people were standing behind. The steer tried to jump the railing, but its forefeet caught on a wooden bar, and the animal rolled over into a group of onlookers. Mrs Wratten and her husband were sitting near the fence with their family of four boys and three girls. Mrs Bellamy was seated close by. The steer struggled to its feet, plunging and kicking. It knocked over many spectators, including every member of the Wratten famiily and Mrs Bellamy, and then dashed headlong through the crowd, creating panic among wonien and children. Finally it was cornered by a stockman and taken back to the ring, 'Hov Wratten, apparently. Was rolled upon as well as kicked by the steer Mis face was badly cut and his mouth appeared to have been crushed to the ground. Luckily the steer was a black Poll without horns.