PEART'S DIVE TO DEATH.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 37

PEART'S DIVE TO DEATH.

Sidney, May 8. During the opening performance of Fitz Gerald Bros.' circus last night, Charles Peart, the famous diver, in performing his feat of diving from the dome into a small tank of water, met with a shocking accident.

Ho struck the edge of the tank with his chest, and received such injuries that lie died later in the evening.

The impact was so great that, acoordiil ; to the medical evidence, anyone with less vitality and energy would have been killed instantly. Notwithstanding this fact, Peart was able, with assistance, to leave the tank. Sydney, May 11.

The fatal effects of Peart's dive were realised by few in the gathering that witnessed his final flight. The item was last on the programme. When the unfortunate man disappeared into the tank, the audienco commenced to leave under the impression that it had been a successful performance. Only a few close at hand

were conscious of the tragedy. No hones were broken, his death being caused by impaction on the vital parts.

Peart visited Wellington in January lant with Fitz Gerald Bros.' circus, and did his remarkable dive nightly before crowded audiences. Peart was born in New Maiden, Fmgland, November, 1871. He started his career as a diver eight or nine years back, and during the last four years he appeared in public over 4<(00 limes, at. the Paris Hippodrome, the Birmingham Water Carnival, and Captain Boyton's Water Show two years running. He held 25 medals. On October 21th, 1894, he dived off the Tyre high-level bridge for .£SO, and tints established a record for " headers." He also performed at the Royal Aquarium, and plunged from a platform 1113 ft high into a tank 18ft long, 12ft wide, and Oft loin deep. One of his achievements was diving off the Tower Bridge, London, 227 ft above the water.