TERRIBLE DEATH

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 131, 26 January 1932, Page 6

TERRIBLE DEATH

REPOROA TRAGEDY VICTIM'S FATHER GIVES EVIDENCE AT INQUEST DRAGGED BY BOLTING HORSE An inquest was held yesterday before the Coroner, Mr. S. L. Paterson, into the death of Thomas Meikle, aged 18 years, at the farm of his uncle, William Walker Meikle, at Reporoa. Evidence was given by tho boy's father, George Meikle, who witnessed the terrible ordeal his son went through when he was draggea behind the heels of a bolting horse-, receiving injuries which proved fatal, Evidonce of identification was also given by the boy's uncle, and the inquest was then adjourned sine die. ■ George Meikle said that he was a farmer residing with his brother William Walker Meikle, at Reporoa, and identified deceaseJ Thomas Vleikle, as his son. The boy had arrived at Reporoa from Auckland on Oe-cember 28 for a holiday. "About 11.30 in the morning of Saturday I was worlcing in n paddoclc near the house," said witness, Svhen I heard a voice calling out. I •an across the road.and could see the boy being dragged by a horse." Witness' brother then came to his assistance and caught the horse. The -ope by which the boy had been leadIng the animal was slipped ox'r its neclc as the other end was tangled around the boy's left arm. He was un-

conscious and blood was runnmg from his ears and nose. He had been dragged about eight ihains close to the horse's heels, but witness did not see him actuaily kicked. The paddock was -lear where ;he accident happened. The horse was isually quie-t and was about 14 years ffd. The boy was an intelligent lad and though not used to the horse, lad caught this particular animal before. He had no intention of riding is the animal was to be harnessed in i gig'Witness and his brother brougbt ,ho boy to the Public Hospital at Roorua as quickly as possible, but on iriival were informed by the doctor n charge that he was dead. Witness •as of the opinion that death occurred is they approached the hospital. The boy's uncle-, William Walter ffeikle, gave similar evidence and the nquest was adjourned.