LAZIEST MAN ON EARTH

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1831, 10 April 1907, Page 57

LAZIEST MAN ON EARTH

(From Our Special Correspondent.) LONDON, February 22.

A queer sort of “world’s record” ha 3 been established by a . man named James Thompson, of Clare, in Ireland. He has been described by tlie loca 1 guardians as the “laziest man alive” and undoubtedly holds the record for lying in bed. He went to bed as a youth in 1877, and did not get up again till a fortnight ago, when a crisis oc curred in his domestic affairs which compelled him to do so. Thompson was looked after by his mother-in-law- — now eighty years old—and last week she was taken so ill that she had to be removed to the infirmary. Left help lessly alone, Thompson was compelled to get up. A search was commenced for the suit which he discarded twenty' nine years-ago, but he was unable to dress without assistance. Two neighbours were called in, and the work of squeezing him into the clothes occupied the three men a whole evening. When dressed, he was too tired to walk, and an ambulance had to be brought to con vey him to the union. He reposed there until has mothe: was well enough to leave the infirmary, when he followed her home. This time, he was compelled to walk, as the cruel guardians refused an ambulance. The facts of the 'ase came out when the relieving officer applied to the L'organ guardians for relief for Mrs Thompson, who has only occasional help from some energetic sons who have emigrated to Australia. She was allowed eighteenpenoe a week. The recital of the'story convulsed the guardians. Inquiries show that numerous medical men have tried their hands at stimulating Thompson out of his chronic lethargy. Irritating plasters were applied, but they had no power to irritate him. Electric currents failed to ruffle him, and the doctors left him to enjoy the serene calm they were unable to disturb. Thompson is said to be quite healthy. He has remained in bod since his return home, and the suit of clothes has again been put away.