A FATAL RIDE.

Otaki Mail, 7 November 1923, Page 3

A FATAL RIDE.

’ MOTOR LORRY CAPSIZES. DRIVER’S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE. A bricklayer named James Ashwood, 72 years of ago, and residing at S 3 Wtianioy Street, Berhampore, died at the AA’ellingtoa hospital last night as a result of injuries received in a motor accident in Kelbura yesterday. The deceased was walking down McKenzie Street, Kelburn, at 5 o ’clock lust night when he asked a carrier named Thomas Hatcliard to give him a lift to tiie car stop. The carrier readily acceded to the request, and the deceased took a seat beside the driver. The lorry, however, failed to negotiate the turn into Mount Street, however, and capsized down the steep bank on the northern side. It turned over twice before reaching the bottom of the gully. The old man endeavoured •to jump clear, but in doing so received injuries to the abdomen as well as having one of his ribs fractured. The driver escaped with a severe shaking.

The ambulance was immediately summoned, and the deceased was aduiitted to the hospital at 5.30 p.m., but died an hour later. I lie car was lifted on to the road again by means of jacks supplied by Munt, Cottrell, and Company, and an inspection revealed that the total damage amounted to n bent footboard. It was soon cranked up and proceeded. The Driver’s Story. Interviewed by a “Times” representative last night, Mr. Hatcliard, who resides at 05 Wellington Road, Kilbirnio, said that he could not account for the accident at all. He had always regarded the corner as a dangerous one, and had always used particular care, while negotiating it. On the previous day he had had occasion to visit the same street and had turned the bend successfully. “I was in low gear,” he said, “and was just crawling along. Then somehow the car would not stop. It came as a surprise to me, because if I had been on top gear I would have expected it. Before I was able to realise anything we were over. The car has never given any trouble like that previously, and I do not know what happened.”

Deceased, who was a brother-in-law to Mr. AV. Vaughan, of Otaki, paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan on Sunday last. Deceased was also a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge.