MOTOR ACCIDENT AT WAIKANAE.

Shannon News, 18 March 1924, Page 3

MOTOR ACCIDENT AT WAIKANAE.

DIRECTOR OF BOYS’ INSTITUTE SERIOUSLY INJURED.

An unfortunate mishap occurred early yesterday morning about a mile this side.of Waikanae, the results <?f which may yet prove to be of a tragic character. The members of the Boys’ ’lnstitute Band accompanied by their director Mr J. W. Butler and Bandmaster ironmonger, were returning to Wellington after a successful v concert tour. When .nearing Waikanae the axle of an Essex car occupied by Mr Butler and five of the boys collapsed and the car ran off .the road over a bank about 8 feet deep. All might have been well had the car not come in contact with a rata stump which completely the engine and overturned the car. Mr Butler, who sustained severe injuries to the spine, was removed to Dr. Sharpe’s private hospital at Otaki where he now 'ies in a serious condition. The boys were fortunate to escape with a few cuts and a severe shaking. * HOSPITAL BOARD MEMBER. ( Mr Butler has been in charge of the institute for the past five years, and is well known in Wellington, wliere he has occupied a seat on the Hospital Board for some time. He is a resident of Brooklyn. A motor-car conveying several of the boys to Wellington met some trouble later in the day, and the 9ccupants came on to the city by train. The extent of the damage to the car is not known. A SUCCESSFUL TOUR.

The accident is considered particularly unfortunate, as the trip had been much appreciated by the boys,' who had enjoyed their run through tlie country districts, and were looking forward to arriving-back in town with the institute’s funds augmented, and .very pleasant recollections of the Taranaki visit.