EASTER TOLL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 64, 14 April 1944, Page 5

EASTER TOLL

ACCIDENT RATE INCREASE

HEAVY HOLIDAY TRAFFIC

It is unfortunate that a holidayperiod isuch as Easter, with so much additional traffic on the road seems never to be entirely free from accidents. Naturally a certain number are only to be expected, but there is no reason whatsoever lor the sharp increase there is,_ as with more traffic on the roads, motorists should take more care to avoid any negligence or careless driving on their part. In. this district alone there were two accidents which might have been avoided; fortunately, neither were, of a fatal nature. One occurred on Easter Saturday in the Waimana Gorge opposite. Mr A* E. Cooper's farm shortly before mid-day, when a light truck owned by Nake Tiropira which was proceeding towards Waimana came into collision with a car driven by Mr N. J. Brownlie; of Gisborne, en route to Rotoiti. Besides; Tiropira in the truck there was also his wife and two children aged Jseven months and four years respectiyely, while on the back Avas another Maori together with his wife- and four children. Mrs Brownlie and two children were, passengers in the

car. As a result of the collision the truck was swung round till it was at right angles to the bank whilst both vehicles were extensively damaged and had to be towed clear with a wrecking truck. The passengers of both-vehicles suffered from shock whilst one of the Maori babies also received head injuries. First, aid was rendered by Nurse McKay, the District Nurse and all the Maoris involved were l later examined by Dr. G. H. Maaka The other took place at Awakeri on Easter Monday at approximately .4.30 p.m. when a motor lorry heading towards Awakeri owned by J. Takarua collided with a car and trailer driven by Mr J. A. Allan who was proceeding towards Te Teko. Fortunately, both parties escaped without injury, and the two vehicles were able to proceed under their own power.