A DANGEROUS RIDE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2153, 13 February 1880, Page 2

A DANGEROUS RIDE.

Mr Kirby, of the Washdyke school, and his sister were yesterday evening the victims of what might have resulted in a very serious misadventure. It appears that Mr Kirby yesterday drove his wife and family out to the Point in a buggy. Uu the return of the party the horses became restive, and finally became unmanageable, dashing along for a distance of some three miles at a furious pace. Before the Washdyke was readied, however, they were again under control, and Mrs Kirby and the children having been set down at the Washdyke, Mr Kirby came on into town accompanied by his sister. Just before reaching the top of the hill on which Mr Belllield’s house stands, the horses again bolted, and came all the way into town at a break-neck pace. The stone bridge in AVoollcombe’s gully was a critical point in the ride, and the parapet was escaped only by a hairsbreadth. On nearing their stable the horses slackened speed, and after some further mancevonring were brought to a standstill with the assistance of the by-standers. The occupants of the buggy fortunately escaped with a severe shaking - . The buggy sustained some damage, the pole being broken, and one of the wheels injured. Great credit is due to Mr Kirby for the skilful and plucky manner in which he stuck to the reins. Had he lost his presence of mind for one minute, a disagreeable mishap might have turned out a very serious accident.