MAN’S CHARMED LIFE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21981, 16 June 1933, Page 16

MAN’S CHARMED LIFE

CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS CONCUSSION THREE TIMES. Declaring that he had served with Colonel Lawrence in Arabia, a man described at the Middlesex Court last month a remarkable series of accidents, each resulting in concussion. James Arthur Lane, aged 37, motor transport manager, was found not guilty of driving while under the influence of drink, but guilty of driving in a manner dangerous to the public. Lane stated that in 1913 he received concussion while training a horse for jumping; in 1914 he received concussion and was unconscious for four days, through'a fall while hunting; in 1915, while in the trenches, he was blown up three times, and later a dugout fell in on him, killing another man. He received a head wound, was unconscious for 10 days, and was partly paralysed on one side; in 1916 he again received concussion through another fall while riding, and was declared unfit for overseas service. ■ ' “ I managed to go to Arabia, and served under Colonel Lawrence,” continued Lane. “ I was in hospital with dysentery and malaria, and for a second time was declared unfit for military service. But 1 managed to get back to my old regiment, and while with the army of occupation I had an aeroplane crash.” On the evening of the .alleged offence.Lane added, he had had three drinks, and was perfectly sober.,: A doctor who explained that he had sat on many medical boards and examined many cases’,of people suffering years afterward from the effects of concussion, gave evidence that he found Lane perfectly sober. “I think this man might easily be arrested at. any time and charged with being under the influence of drink, particularly if his breath smelt ot alcohol, the doctor observed. . Another doctor called for the defence gave evidence to the same effect. Lane was fined £lO and £5 5s costs for dangerous driving, with endorsement ot license.

A railway company operating between New York and Florida has installed a recreation car on its run, so that passengers will not need to wait until they reach Miami to begin their sports. The club car is equipped with a small bathing pool, mechanical horses, a punching bag, and other equipment for the entertainment of passengers who want exercise. Lord Dulverton, formerly Sir Gilbert Wills, has just given another £IO,OOO to complete restoration of St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, one of the finest churches in the country. He had already given £65,000 for the purpose. This generous donor is head of the Imperial Tobacco Company, and became a peer in 1920 i-t the age of 49. The Wills family are famous for their philanthropy.