Sensational Coach Accident.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 212, 9 June 1905, Page 2

Sensational Coach Accident.

It is a matter for congratulation that the above heading does not read “ Fatal Coach Accident,” as the escape from death I which the driver and a lady passenger had on Friday last cannot be termed anywise but miraou lous. On-tbe day mentioned the ordinary mail coach left Pirongia for the Oparau Ferry at the usual hour (about 7 a.m.) and arrived at the Mangat! Creek about an hour later where it was found that the rain that had fallen os the previous night had swollen the stream to such an extent that it was impossible to negotiate the ford. As this creek rises and falls very rapidly, a wait ot an hour or two was decided on, and when the ford was attempted it was found that there was not much to spare. After the crossing had been successfully accomplished, it was found that there were several slips on the road, many of them being dangerous. All went well, however, until an extra large slip was encountered, which the driver (Mr J. Watts) attempted to get round. The leaders were being driven three abreast, and one of them slipped on the edge of the bank, and in endeavouring to regain the road fell and pulled the two other leaders with it, the polera and coach being also dragged over the side and precipitated down a declivity about 30ft. The coach was occupied by two passengers, Mrs Cowern, of Rakaunui, and Miss Gibson, of Te Awamutu. Seeing tbe danger, the former lady shouted to Miss Gibson (who was in the back seat to jump, which she promptly did, bqi Mrs Cowern was too late in following suit and was hurled over the bank fa tbe coach, as also was the driver. Wh'&a Mr Watts (who was fortunately 1 ihruWi clear) went to where the coach was, he found the horses and vehicle all of a heap, with Mrs Cuworn underneath, pinned to tho ground.by:the coach. By superhuman efforts he managed to extricate tbe lady from her unfortunate position, when to his pleasure and amazement he found that Mrs Gowern had reoeiveived no more serious injuries than a severe bruising. How this hdy escaped fearful injuries is indeed miraculous. Miss Gibson had by this time reached Mr Wiley’s hbuse with news of the accident, and it was not long before assistance was at hand to release the horses, which were 'all tangled up and groaning piteously. Upon examination it was found that only one horse bad received serious injury, whilst the coach had only tbe pole and a side splash-board smashed. It is pleasing to be able to report that an accident so serious really turned out with each slight results. Mrs Cowern, Miss Gibson and Mr Watts were put up for the night at Mr Wiley’s house, much kindness being shown them, and the jouroey to Kawhia was continued the next morning. Owing to the accident the mail was not delivered in Kawhia until Saturday afternoon,