GLEE SINGERS IN SMASH.

Shannon News, 7 August 1923, Page 1

GLEE SINGERS IN SMASH.

MR. DU CHATEAU AND BOYS HURT. LEVEL CROSSING CRASH. A recent mail brought detailed news of the serious accident which recently befell Mr. Leo Du Chateau (of Wellington), manager of the Westminster Glee Singers, and five of the boys, two of whom had to be removed the Parkwynd Hospital, Adelaide. Mr. Du Chateau sustained an injury ;to the knee, and suffered from shock; but was reported to be doing as well las could be expected. He had to abandon the visit the Western Australia, and is now in Sydney. Says the Adelaide " Journal ” of June 22: It is most regrettable that a level crossing within the suburban area of Adelaide has been once again the bcene of a collision between a train and mot'or-car, and the fact that the victims of th e accident were visitors ito the State somewhat aggravates the position. The concerts of the Westminster Glee Singers -have been greatly enjoyed by the Adelaide public during the last week, and the accident on Thursday night has necessitated |he abandonment of the remainder of the local season. A representative of the “ Register ” sought out the manager of the party (Mr. Leo Du Chateau), who walks with a very pronounced limp as a result of his unwelcome adventure. Mr. Chateau, like the rest of the party, Jiis suffering from shock, and is very concerned after the welfare of his Charges, all of whom are under 15 years of age. Outlining the occurrence, he said that the party had, at invation of Mr. Frank Tolley, profceeded to his home at* Glenelg after the concert on Thursday night, in a motor-car driven by Mr. John Shank. The boys had been deeply interested /in Mr. Tolley’s house and his collection of war souvenirs and so on, and by the time they had had supper it was nearly midnight. They then set out; ° n the home journey, and proceeded safely as far as the Leaderstreet crossing. As they approached jt he crossing the car was doing, according to one of the boys who was sitting in front with the driver, abou* 12 and 14 miles per hour. Mr. Chateau’s statements that the gates were open, that there was no one |n charge of the crossing, and that, so far as they could see, there were no warning lights on view, or any warning gong, were supported by the other members of the party when they were interviewed. All was in darkness as they came ito the crossing soon after midnight, .continued Mr. Chateau, and they dia not observe the engine of the goods I rain until if was right upon them, when it was too late for anything to be done. The motor crashed into pthe engine amidships, fortunately at UO very great pace, and two of the occupants were thrown headlong to i'he ground. Leslie Snow fared the worst,, as he was pitched headlong into the cattle-pit on the permanent way. Mr. Chateau likened his experience to that of a decapitated chicken: “I was going round and round in a dazed Condition, not knowing what to do. Leslie Snow was calling for assistance find his comrades, like the little Britons they are, went quickly to his aid, and extricated him from the cattlepit, from which his legs only warts visible.” The noise of the accident was heara for some distance, and people from neighboring houses came quickly to jgive assistance. Leslie Snow and Edmund Walter were taken to the Parkwynd Hospital, and the other boys, after having received attention, were allowed to proceed to the beds at the Grosvenor Hotel. Mr. Chateau said he was in the back of the motor, with Albert Cooper on his knee, when the crash occurred. All were flung forward, and the boy apparently struck his nose against the back of the front seat. Ronald Thompson, who was seated in front With the driver, was ejected through the windscreen, and in that way received cut’s about the face and forehead. Edmund Walter, the other hospital case, was not thrown out, but sustained severe bruises to his head and left arm and leg. Henry Collier, another occupant of the rear seat, was thrown righ£ out, but miraculously escaped with only a bruised leg, which however necessitated his staying in bed for a while. THE CASUALTIES. Leslie Snow (aged 13). —Flung out of motor, head first, into cattle-pit. Large cut on the head, injuries to the body, and under observation. In hospital. Edmund Walter (13). —Bruises to head and left arm and leg. In hospital. Henry Collier (14). —Thrown out, bruised right leg. Ronald Thompson (18). —Thrown right through windscreen, cut ou fac« and forehead. Stitch inserted in forehead. Albert Cooper (12). —Injuries to nose. Mr. L. Du Chateau (manager).—* Injured left leg. Mr. John Shank (driver). —Thrown through windscreen. Injuries slight, Buffering from shock.