DEATH OF LADY MOTOR CYCLIST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3872, 17 November 1928, Page 3

DEATH OF LADY MOTOR CYCLIST.

COLLISION AT PALMERSTON NORTH. A distressing accident with fatal results, occurred at the intersection of Ruahine and Ferguson Sts. at about 7.15 last evening. The unfortunate victim was Miss Minnie Reed, of 299 Ruahine Street, who was killed almost instantaneously when her motor cycle collided with the rear of a car driven by Mr. F. E. Silvester, a motor mechanic residing in Albert street. There were no eye-witnesses of the accident, which apparently was unavoidable. Mr. Silvester, who was accompanied by his mother and sister, was proceeding down Ferguson street from Terrace End, when Miss Reed’s machine struck the rear of the car throwing the rider against the left-hand strut of the hood. Mr. Silvester pulled up within 20 feet, to find the motor cyclist still astride her machine, lying in the centre of the road. It was apparent that serious injuries had been sustained by the rider who was removed to a neighbouring residence as quickly as possible, but despite all efforts death overtook the sufferer before medical aid could be summoned. Mr. Silvester states that he perceived the motor cyclist as he was about to cross the intersection and speeded up in an endeavour to avert an accident. He had sounded his horn and was on his correct side of the road but apparently Miss Reed had not heard the approaching car as she rode into Ferguson street. She was apparently unable to avoid the collision and crashed into the rear of the car. Dusk had not fallen at the time of the accident, and the view across the corner was uninterrupted. The deceased woman had only been in New Zealand for twelve months and was a native of England. As far as can be ascertained she had no relatives in the Dominion. She was engaged as a gardener taking employment in private homes and nurseries in the town. Miss Reed was an expert motor cyclist having ridden all over England and Europe.

Although neither motor cycle nor car were badly damaged the force of the impact must have been considerable as the strut of the hood which the unfortunate woman struck with her head, was badly bent. Death was caused by severe head injuries and Dr. Putnam who was summoned could only pronounce life extinct.