A SHOCKING ACCIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1925, Page 3

A SHOCKING ACCIDENT

ON HOKITIKA RACECOURSE. SAIASH WITH .MOTOR CYCLE. Las) evening, about 8 o’clock on the Hokitika racecourse track when engaged in trying out a BE.A. motor cycle, owned by Mr Hackell. an accident occurred with very serious results. It appears that Air Eric Park, third son of Air .Tames Park, Crown Prc.secutor at Hokitika, who is a clerk in the National Bank at Hokitika, was having a trial run with the motor

cycle with a view to using it at the motor cycle races on Saturday next. When coming down the end of the straight the machine instead of turning tho corner crossed the grass track and .smashed into the picket fence nearly opposite the totalisalor house. Tho impact was so severe that some 20 to 30 feet of the fence was carried away and the machine considerably damaged. Tire rider. Air Park, sustained very severe injuries, his skull being laid open, while his right arm was very badly smashed and other injuries of a severe nature were also received. He was unconscious when picked up and in a very serious Cnuditn'n. Medical ansistancc and the motor ambulance were at once sent Lir ami on arrival, the injured nui.. was removed to Westland Hospital whore his injuries were attended to. All operation wa.s necessary to remove portion of the skull that was pressing on the brain, that had been laid hare and this was successfully carried out by Drs. Bail'll and Toicliolmniin. The condition of the patient was very .serious and last night very little hope of his recovery was’entertained hut this morning his condition showed improvement, and there are now hopes of pulling him through and of saving lii.s arm. though his condition still continues very serious. The young man is a popular figure about town and general regret i.s voiced at the serious injuries received.