AN ACCIDENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1923, Page 2

AN ACCIDENT.

TO MR IV. H. CHINN AT LAKE J A.XT HU. Air J. Ritchie, writing from Alntainui, reports that a. very serious accident happened to Mr IV. H. Chinn on the Alain South Rond at Lake lantlie, when returning from the County Council meeting, last- week. Quoting from Mr Chinn’s letter he says:—“l must tell you what happened on the road down. On coming down the Lake hill, something startled the mare, she took a bound and let fly. bucking and bounding down the hill. It was rather exciting, but I guided her the best I could. She smashed the front of the trap light up to the seat, and at last she plunged into the hank and smashed the wheel off close to the collar. I still stuck to the ship, although running on one wheel and the axle. However, we did not go far like that, as in kicking she got her foot between the trace and the shaft against the hritehing stran. reared in the air and came down on her side. 1 was pitched out, but am thankful to say, I escaped with only a few bruises. The trap.' is quite wrecked, both shafts l>eing broken, axle broke, and the body a mass of wreckage. “I think a guardian angel must- have been looking after yon. It would have been terrible if you had been with me, as it was, I had only myself to look after. Even if you had got clear the shock would not have done you any good. However, it could have been worse, and I am not complaining.” Air Ritchie says:—l came to town with Air Chinn in his trap to attend the County Council meeting and had arranged to go down with him but changed rav mind At the last minuto and came to Matainui by mail car. Had I been with niv friend probably it would have been my AVaterloo Air Chinn’s pluck in sticking to the ship no doubt carried him through. I wish wo had a few more settlers of Air Chinn s brand in South Westland; then there would be more developments.