VEHICLE OVERTURNS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 688, 29 November 1921, Page 4

VEHICLE OVERTURNS.

PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER INJURED. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH. A PLUCKY CHILD. Whilst returning from the Puni Church bazaar on the evening of November 24th, Rev. Coates, Presbyterian minister in charge of the Mauku circuit, met with a serious accidlentl, in fact he had a miraculous escape from death. It appears that Mr Coates and two little o-irls, on© named Hill and the othei named Waller, had attended the bazaar, and proceeded on their homeward journey. The little Hill girl was let out of the gig at her mothers place, and the dther pair continued on their journey. When almost opposite Mr Waller s residence, near the Mauku store, the winkers bit broke. and the horse became f rom what can be gathered, the animal bolted, and in its career the gig was upset, throwing both occupants out, Mr Coates being pinned by the chest under the hub of one wheel. lhe little Waller girl, who is abou£ 9 years of age, saw the predicament Mr Coates was in, and by a great effort managed to lift the gig off Mi Coates’ chest, and subsequently went for assistance. The little child suffered! from ishock, bu)t she realised the serious position Mr Coates was in, and had it not been for her presence of mind in shifting the the consequences may have ueen more serious. Hr iHowden, of \ uku, was summoned, and the sufferer was removed to Mr W, Moor s residence at the Mauku school, where he is now progressing as well us can be expected.