IN A FREEZING CHAMBER

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1933, Page 5

IN A FREEZING CHAMBER

MAN LOCKED UP. TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE. Charles Workmaster, employed at Lithgow, New South Wales, in the butchery department of the Lithgow Co-operative Society, had a terrifying experience recently when he was locked inside the freezing chamber attached to the establishment for an hour and a-half. Eventually he seized a bar, and was able, after a great effort, to prize the door open sufficiently to allow him to lift the catch. Mr. Workmaster says he considers he had a fortunate escape, for the incident occurred on an afternoon when he is the only member of the staff on duty. The door slammed while he was in the chamber, and as he could not stop the machinery, which operates automatically, he pounded the door and the walls m an endeavour to attract attention. The freezing chamber is about 30ft. from the street, and as no one lives on the premises, his chances of rescue were remote. By a lucky chance he discovered in the dull light from an electric lamp an iron bar, and as the door was a trifle loose, he managed to get sufficient leverage to release the catch. He would otherwise have had to remain in the refrigerator until late at night or until next morning. , After reaching the open air Mr. Workmaster walked briskly to aid the blood circulation. He had been working in a very heated atmosphere before entering the room.