MOTOR ACCIDENT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 18 August 1919, Page 3

MOTOR ACCIDENT.

1 A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

A DANGEROUS CROSSING

A motor accident, in which two gentlemen had a most miraculous cscaptf frtm a frightful death, occurred at the dangerous railway crossing a little to the north of Manakau, near the infcawa bridge. Messrs H. B. and Ralph Nattrass were driving in one of Messrs Nattrass and Harris' motor cars towards Wellington on Saturday night, and at about 8.15 p.m. they turned to negotiate the crossing referred to. lnc car light was Tather dim, and it being a very black night the driver observed BBthing till within a few feet of the jails, when he saw to his horror that a train was on the line. It was a goods twin, moving in towards Manakau. The li<'ht on the engine was some distance away, which accounted for the m.torists not seeng it. The driver (Mr H B Nattrass) with commendatle presence of mind, immediately tnrucd the head of his car to the left, thus avoiding a head-on collision. The car. striking a post, smashed into the cattle stops, and was wedged a, the moving train smashing into the side U the car, and ripping her side out as the passing trucks struck her. The 'two occupants of the car were unable j to move, and spent a fearful time of . swpense until the whole tram passed. • They both providentially escaped without iniury. Mr Rayner, of Manakau, 7L£ aid of Mr W. Bale's.horses dragged the damaged car W'££S f.nnd that the motor-a big Grossly « ar _ was very badly - smashed the whole of the body being tiough the engine appeared to be but little damaged. Mr Nattrass immediately went on to Mr Andrew's store at Manakau, where he telephoned to Wellington for another car, which arrived at about 11 p.m.-quick work-and conveyed MessrsNattrass Bros, to -Wellington yesterday morning. There was » insurance on the car, and. the accident means a heavy loss to the owners, the. car being worth fully £3OO. ' This crossing has been the scene ot Many narrow escapes, and is a spot where the utmost care is needed by jsavellers and engine drivers. • • The damaged car was taken to Mr Eefoed's garage, where it was yesterday inspected by a groat many people.