Coach Accident.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 364, 14 March 1902, Page 4

Coach Accident.

Geraldine, March S.

A serious accident happened to the Geraldine coach, with two horses in it, at tlio Waihi-Orari Crossing at b o’clock this morning, while attempting to cross the river. There were twelve passengers, including the driver, viz., Messrs Johnston, Frude, liruco, W. G. Maslin Wark, E. Smith, JR. Scott (driver), Mesdames Scott (Woodbury), S. Pizze.y and two little girls, Misses Wood and L. Maslin. Those drowned are Mrs Scott and one of Mrs Pizzey’s children. Mr Scott first crossed the river with the empty coach to test it, and returned safely. lie thou took all the ladies and Mr E. Smith. Pie followed the same ford as taken at first, but the horses got washed down, and at last got their feet on the other side, which was badly scoured. The coach was very much lopsided, and with Ihe rush of water fell over briuging the horses with it. Fortunately, the top of tho coach broke off and floated away, thus freeing the passengers, five of whom were washed down. Mr Smith clung to tho coach, and got to the shore with difficulty. Miss Maslin held on to the coach until released by Mr Frude, who deserves much credit. He floated down with her, and was finally pulled out by W. G. Muslin, Mr Frude being fatigued. Mr Scott was washed down about 10 chains, and secured Mrs Pizzey and one daughter. Miss Wood managed to get out herself. There was no confusion, and all behaved splendidly. Mrs Scott’s body was recovered at 12 o’clock. The child's body lias not yet been recovered. Hr Hislop is in attendance; aiso a large crowd from Geraldine. All the luggage was washed away, and none of it has been recovered yet. Tho mails were saved.