MOTOR-CAR IN RIVER

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1924, Page 1

MOTOR-CAR IN RIVER

LONDON, .'lay 2,‘h .Mr> Smail, wife of an ex-naval officer, was drowned in the Thames at Hampton Court early yesterday morning. when, a motor-ear fell into the river. The ear, a coupe, had just crossed the ferry when it ran backwards and planned into the river. It contained live people, all of whom had been dancing at the Karsino, Hampton Court —.Mr Smail (the owner, who was driving), .Mrs Smail. Mr Tom llann (tin) racing motorist). -Mr Oliver Bellingham Smith, a son of l)r Bellingham Smith, of tiny’s Hospital, and Miss Oollan. of Carter’s Hotel, Alhemarle-street.

Describing the accident. Mr llann told ti reporter that when the tar sank he opened the door from the inside with difficulty owing to the strong current, and on coming to the surface saw that Mr Smail had escaped by the window. -Mr Smith saved Alias Collin. “Then Mr Smith dived for .Mrs Smail. 1 helping him. lie swam under me. entered the car hv the floor, and after groping about got through the opposite wimlow.

Tm done,’ In' said as he came up and collapsed.’’ The car was raised just after dawn yesterday and Mrs i*tnail s hotly was found lying on the floor. During tie rescue operations an Alsatian "olfhnund which had boon in the car .swam arotiml the spot howling. Mr and Mrs Smail bail been married only six months. Mi'S Collan, who is 21, is the daughter of a New Zealand ’sheep farmer. Her eldest brother, ATr Donald Oollan, was beaten in tlie final of the Diamond .Sculls at Henley hist year. He is rowing again this year. Another brother is Captain Aloe Oollan. of the ■Royal Horse Ounrds, a prominent steeplechaser.