SENSATIONAL RUNAWAY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9114, 6 April 1908, Page 8

SENSATIONAL RUNAWAY.

AN AUCKLAND AFFAIR. Per Press Association. Auckland, April 5. A sensational runaway occurred in Queen Street on Saturday afternoon, shortly after one o’clock. When the traffic was at its busiest a six-horse brake came careering wildly down the thoroughfare from Victoria street almost to Customs street. The bolting horses were successfully manoeuvred through the crowded street, though quite a number oi accidents were narrowly averted. When nearing the Customs street corner, where traffic is always congested, a .catastrophe seemed_ inevitable, but just before this point was reached the career of the runaways was cut short in rather a sensational manner. Several trams were drawiug up to the intersection, and the street was crowded with the 1 o’clock rush of people struggling for the means of reaching their homes. Ahead was a gig, occupied by Dr. Owen and a groom. To swerve to the right meant a collision with a tram pole, while to the left meant a lurch on to the footpath. The driver endeavoured to pass between the gig and the post, but the heavy brake proved too unwieldy and crashed into the gig, smashing the wheel on the driver’s side to pieces. Scarcely a spoke of the wheel was left intact. Dr. Owen and his driver were both thrown on the roadway, but escaped serious injury. The horse was also thrown to the ground as a result o? the impact l but fortunately the gig alone was damaged. The greatest credit was given by eye witnesses to the driver Mr Andrews)for what followed. As the team thundered down Queen Street Mr Andrews had shown remarkable presence of mind and, grasping the situation as he neared the foot of Queen Street, he literally threw his horses to the ground, using all his weight on the offleader. Several of the horses were very badly cut about, more particularly the leader which came down.