DOMINION NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1928, Page 1

DOMINION NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association,

CONCRETE BRIDGE OPENED PAHIATUA. June 30,

The Hon J. G. Coates and the Alin i-ter for Public Works, visited Pallialua to-cln v.

At noon Air Coates opened tho ferroconcrete bridge at Ngaturi. Tie was welcomed by Air S. Bolton, County Chairman. A large gathering was present. Airs Bolton, wife of tlie County Chairman, cut the ribbon, and AH Coates broke a bottle of champagne on the new structure. The gathering was addressed also by the Hon K. is. Williams and Air K. A. Ransom. Afeinber lor the district. Subsequently they lunched at the Commercial Hotel with a large representative assembly, including members of local bodies. Air S. Bolton presided.

CAR ACCIDENT.

WELLINGTON, July 2,

A free ambulance car on its way to Plimnierton, grazed another car which swerved and fell down an 80ft. hank, turning over several times. Two occupants were hospitalled, Airs Turner, with injuries to thigh, and her daughter concussion and shock. The ear was badly damaged. The ambulance served to take the sufferers hack to Wellington and on the way picked up, R. Greig, a farmer, who was severely injured at football.

CUSTOAIS RETURNS. WELLINGTON, July 2. A substantial decrease is shown in Customs revtuiuc collected here in June. Tho figures were: Customs £1(58,2/54, beer duty .£3,9-17, against 13305,216 and .£1,122 for June last vonr.

DROPPED DEAD. GORE, July 2

Henry Shepard, a married man of 71 years, droped dead in the Methodist Church at Gore last evening, as the service was commencing. The deceased was an officer of the church, and the service was abandoned as a result.

LEVEL CROSSING SMASH. AUCKLAND, June 29

A motor milk delivery van owned by Mays and Howe, of Mount Albert, was smashed this morning at Gladstone road level railway crossing through a collision with a light engine. The driver of the. motor-heliicle. Cecil Howe, was taken to the hospital suffering from injuries to his hack, as well as shock. It was later reported that his condition was not serious, llowe is 33 years of age, anif a married man. The vail was wrecked, it being badly smashed on the left-hand side. The front wheel was splintered to matchwood. the glass windscreen was torn out, and the roof damaged.

The railway engine which struck the van was proceeding from Newmarket to Mount Albert, to assist a train from the latter station on is journey to Mount Eden. People in the vicinity at the time of the smash state that they hoard tho engine whistle as it approached the crossing and the warning hell on the “wig wag” signal was ringing. It was reported, however, that the swaying signal which was established as an extra precaution to warn drivers of vehicles of the approach of a train, was not working just prior to the accident. The weather was exceptionally had. There was a gale blowing with heavy rain, and under the circumstances it was difficult for the driver of the motor van to hear, and visibility was

poor. The Gladstone road crossing was the scene of a serious accident some time ago. when the AVhangarei express ran into a road roller, which was epnsidern'.bly smashed about.