Briefly: Driver commended, Thumb surgery cancelled

Drivers commended

Rotorua drivers are being warned to not be complacent after a serious-accident free Easter weekend. Senior Sergeant Denton Grimes of the Rotorua police said the driver behaviour in Rotorua over the long weekend was generally very good. Officers stopped 1461 vehicles at checkpoints with 12 drivers processed for drink driving. Mr Grimes said motorists shouldn't become complacent with the good result and continue to drive to the conditions.

Thumb surgery cancelled

Benedict John Varghese, the 15-month-old who suffered a thumb injury while being treated in Rotorua Hospital's emergency department, did not undergo surgery as planned yesterday. His father Sibi told The Daily Post it had been cancelled and a further scan scheduled. The toddler suffered the injury after his parents took him to hospital with a fever last week. An investigation is under way into how the incident happened.

School arson probe

Rotorua police and the Fire Service are still investigating a fire at Rotorua Lakes High School. The fire on Tuesday night, which authorities said was deliberately lit, destroyed a classroom which was used by children with special learning needs. The school is offering a reward for those who come forward with information. Anyone with information should contact Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or the Rotorua Fire Service on (07) 348 3198.

Injured picker stable

A 15-year-old fruit picker run over by a tractor on a Bay of Plenty orchard remains in a critical but stable condition at Tauranga Hospital. The youth suffered broken bones and suspected internal injuries from becoming trapped under the machinery while working at Furze kiwifruit orchard in Paengaroa on Tuesday. The kiwifruit industry said it had long-time safety procedures and orchard accidents were uncommon. Police have named a Wanganui forestry worker killed when he was crushed by a falling tree at Brunswick on Wednesday. He was Glenn Simon Giltrap, 33.