FATAL MOTOR ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3890, 3 January 1929, Page 2

FATAL MOTOR ACCIDENT.

LOCAL YOUNG MAN’S SPINE FRACTURED. A particularly sad fatality occurred during the New Year holidays, when, as a result of a nio'tor accident, Oliver- Leslie Anderson, exchange elei*k, of Foxton, met his death. In company with Mr. G. Williams, also of the local exchange, and in a car driven iby Mr. J. B. Coley, of Hillary (Street, who .was accompanied by his wife "and daughter, deceased attended the Marion races. On the way home, When about a mile south of Waitohi road, on 'the Sanson-Foxton highway, Mr. Coley pulled off the road to allow a car coming up 'behind, to pass. The approaching ear was evidently closely followed by another car, driven by a Levin taxi driver, which in passing Mr. Coley’s car touched the front wheel and capsized the vehicle into a piece of swampy ground on the roadside. All the occupants of Mr. Coley’s car were pinned bene'ath the upturned vehicle which had to he lifted u'p before they could be extricated. Deceased had suffered'the worst from the accident but was quite conscious, (although unable to move his legs. The other occupants of the car had miraculous escapes. Mr. Williams, who was seated next to the driver in the front suffered from severe bruising and shock while Mr. Coley, apart from a shaking uip, wqs unhurt. In the back seat, which was occupied by Mrs. Coley, her daughter and deceased, Mrs. Coley received a bruising and cut on the elbow and the girl a cut on the leg, Anderson receiving injuries to his back. Passing motorists rendered whatever assistance they could and a doctor urns sent for from Bulls. On his arrival, he ordered Anderson’s immediate removal to hospital and 'the ambulance was sent for. The other occupants of the car were -conveyed to their homes in Foxton.

When admitted to the institution deceased was quite conscious aud particularly cheerful. I't was impossible, however, to ascertain the extent of bis injuries until the following 'day although it was known that night that he was paralysed in both legs. Despite his injuries bAndy,” as he was more popularly known locally, was particularly bright and cheerful right up to midday yesterday, ■when he took a sudden turn and lapsed into unconsciousness from .which lie rallied momentarily prior to passing away about 5 p.m. Death was due to a dislocation of the spinal column near .the neck.

The death of Oliver Leslie Anderson, which occurred in the Palmerston North Hospital late yesterday afternoon came as a great shock to his many friends in /Foxton. Deceased was one of the most popular young men in the town and was a keen footballer. Last season he played for the Foxton Football Club Thirds and on many occasions during (the season was found in the ranks of the Juniors. On the football field he was a player of great promise. He was also a member of the Wednesday team and on many occasions was a representative of Old Boys against School. Any branch of athletics held a strong appeal to him and he was also a keen patron at the local swimming bath's. Deceased was 18 years of age and was born in Te Aroha but came to Foxton with his parents as an infant. He received his education at the local State School and on leaving entered the local Post Office where he has been employed for the last three years. As a. member of the exchange staff he was (particularly courteous and obliging.. Deceased was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Ohas. Anderson, of Coley (Street, Foxton, and his early demise will be greatly regretted by a large circle of friends. Messrs Stan, Cardie, and Charlie Anderson are brothers and Misses Vera, Dolly and Mrs. H. Reid are sisters of deceased.

The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the residence of deceased’s parents at 2 p/m. for All Saints’ Church and thence to the Foxiton Cemetery. \