MOTORING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2016, 16 August 1919, Page 3

MOTORING FATALITY.

MAN KILLED AT PAHAUTANUL

Major D. J. Sweetzer, well-known in Wellington, particularly in military circles, was killed yesterday afternoon as the result of a motorcar* accident on the Belmont road, near Pahautanui.

From the details obtained, it appears that Major Sweetzer-—who had been camp commandant at Trentham for some time,' but who had been demobilised —was, proceeding to Wellington, where he has interests associated with the firm of Arthur ,1). Riley and Co., engineers and importers, Lambton Quay. He was driving a two-seater car, the property of the firm. The route taken is not the usual one, and it is presumed that Major Sweetzer, who had not been long settled in the locality, took the wrong road. On the Belmont road, where the fatality oecm-red, there is a sharp awkward turn (known to motorists as a “hair-pin bend”), while the road is fairly steep at this particular part. In endeavouring to negotiate the bend, Major. Sweetzer must have made an outward sweep, but went too- far, and before he could straighten (he car it plunged over the side of the road and dashed into the gully below. The car only fell about ton feet, but was completely overturned,, and Major Sweetzer was pinned, face downwards, by the seat of the ear. From this position it would be impossible for him to move, even if conscious, but the probabilities are Shat he was rendered insensible by the fall. The exact time at which the fatality occurred is not known. A farmer named George Pearce, a resident of Pahautanui, was the first to notice the car, and he immediately reported the matter to .the police. This was about 2.20 p.m. The police at once proceeded to the locality. Upon reaching the spot assistance was secured, the ear was lifted, and the body conveyed to Wellington; When the police arrived, the unfortunate gentleman was dead, but the body was quite warm.