CASUALTIES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18239, 25 November 1924, Page 4

CASUALTIES.

FATAL TRAP ACCIDENT. An inquest into tho circumstances surrounding tho death of Martha Johnston, an elderly woman, aged 79, who died as the result of injuries received in being thrown from a trap noar a bridge on tho Wainoni road, New Brighton, on Sunday afternoon, was held by Mr H. Y. Widdowson, Coroner, yesterday. William Hewitt, salesman, residing at Hoon-Hay road, Cashmere, gave evideuco of identification. Witness said tho deceased woman was his mother-in-law, and had lived with him. At about one o'clock 011 Sunday afternoon thev set oft' for New Brighton in witness's trap. When they reached the bridge acrosss Wainoni road, the pony became shy of the water and reared up, breaking the shafts of the'gig. Witness jumped out of the cart to get to the horse's head, hut the animal swung round and bolted in the opposito direction. All tho occupants were thrown out with the exception of witnes's daughter. His mother-in-law, who was lying on the roadway in an unconscious condition, was removed to the hospital with witness's wife and child, but she expired in the evening. Ida E. M. Hewitt, wife of the previous witness, gave corroborative evidence.

Dr. David R. Jennings, house surgeon at the Cliristchurch Hospital, said that the woman was admitted about 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, suffering from extensive scalp injuries and' 'injuries to the right side of her chest, as well as suffering from extreme shock. Her condition was too serious to permit of surgical treatment, and she died at about six o'clock. The cause of death wag shock following injuries to the right side of the chest.

Constable Hislop, New Brighton, gave formal evidence. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

(rXESS iSSOCIATIOX TILZOBAJIS.) AUCKLAND. Xovembor 24. A man named Redmond, who embarked on the Arahura at Gisborae, jumped overboard at 8.25 p.m. on Sunday, near Tiritiri. Constable Gatehouse saw the man climb the vessel's rail, and grappled' with him. After a short struggle Redmond dropped overboard. nearly dragging the constable with him. Two boats were launched, but searched for three-quarters of an hour unsuccessfully. Redmond was being brought from Gisborno to the Auckland Mental Hospital, and tho constable allowed him on deck fur fresh air, tho constable holding him by the coat. Redmond made a sudden dash, dragging the constable with him.