MAULED BY LION

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20260, 31 July 1937, Page 7

MAULED BY LION

DEATH OF MR DAVIDSON. FORMER RECTOR OF STIFFKEY. A STORMY CAREER ENDS. UniiPii cress Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyrlghi. (Received July 31, 11 a.m.) LONDON, July 30. The death has occurred of Mr. Harold Davidson, former rector of Stiffkey, who was mauled by a lion yesterday when delivering a speech from the animal’s cage. The Rev. Harold; F. Davidson, rector of Stiffkev, was charged In March, 1932, before the Norwich Consistory Court, with a series of grave acts of misconduct. He made a vigorous defence of his case, and to allegations of constant association with women replied that he was engaged in rescue work. The Consistory Court found him guilty of Immoral conduct and he appealed to the Privy Council, but his appeal was dismissed. In September, 1932, he appeared as an “exhibition” on the promenade at Blackpool, when he sat in a barrel in a sideshow.

CRAVING FOR PUBLICITY. MR DAVIDSON’S LAST WORDS. “AM I ON MAIN PAGE?" United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received July 31, 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 30. The Daily Mail says that Mr Davidson’s craving for publicity was unabated even when he was dragged Weeding and mangled from the lion’s cage. His first words were: “Telephone the London newspapers. You must not miss the first editions.” Among his last words w r ere: "Am I on the main page?” The lion remained on exhibition after Mr Davidson’s death, hut Mr Davidson’s daughter protested, saying it was disgraceful, -whereupon the show was closed and’ a long queue was turned away. The Daily Mail adds that Mr Davidson had made £20,000 from the show business in recent years, but gave it all awTiy.