SERIOUS ACCIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1930, Page 4

SERIOUS ACCIDENT

ON' CEMETERY HILL

A serious accident took place about 10 o'clock this morning resulting in Mr Erie Raine, son of Mr George Maine of Revel 1 Street being badly injured about Wie head.

ft appears that Eric Raine who is an employee of Air W. H. Gifford was proceeding up Cemetery Hill to his work in connection with the electrifying of the new ward at the Alental Hospital. He was on a motor cycle, ami had a roll of insulated wire over bis shoulder and under his arm (bandolier fashion). At the turn of the road in the middle ,of the hill Raine met a motor car driven by Hugh Appleton, an employee of, Alessrs Baty and Co. The motor cycle hit the front off wheel of the ear and the handle bar scraped the full length of tne car and damaged the back mud-guard of the ear. Appleton swung sharp to the left, but could not avoid a- collision. Raine was thrown heavily to the ground and received severe scalp wounds, and bis right eilr was badly cue about. He was rendered uncons iouis but though lie regained consciousness on the way to the Hospital lie .soon relapsed again unconscious. The insulating wire that he had slung round him tightened round his neck and nearly choked him before one of those who went to his assistance found a cutter in the tool bag and cut the wire that was slowly choking him. Raine was travelling up the hill fairly fast, and the sun shining in Ilia eyes apparently prevented him seeing the ear till too late.

The motor cycle was badly damaged. Appleton was tryirig out the brakes of the car and was coming down tho lull slowly. Another employee of the firm, French was also in the oar. Latest news states Raine was still unconscious at the Hospital and it was thought that an operation would be necessary.