BLACK SATURDAY

Southland Times, Issue 21098, 2 June 1930, Page 7

BLACK SATURDAY

THREE ACCIDENTS. CAR HITS TRAIN AT BRANXHOLM. Not for many months has there been such a black Saturday as the one just passed. Three serious accidents occurred and three people were extremely fortunate in escaping with their lives. John McDonald, an auctioneer employed by Wright, Stephenson and Co. and residing at Waikiwi, when proceeding along the main road from Winton in his car ran into the train from Tuatapere at the Branxholm Crossing. The car was badly shattered and Mr McDonald sustained a severely lacerated scalp, fractured ribs and general abrasions. He was conveyed into Invercargill by the train and was taken in the ambulance to the Southland Hospital.

The accident is attributed to the fact that Mr McDonald, owing to an affection of the eye, was wearing an eye shade and this prevented his seeing the approaching train. Yesterday afternoon he was reported to be comfortable.

An elderly lady, Mrs Ellen Marchant, of 87 Catherine street, when cycling along Ythan street at the intersection of Tay street, was struck by a car. She was thrown heavily. She was taken to the Southland Hospital suffering from shock, slight concussion and abrasions. She was reported to be more comfortable yesterday afternoon, but her condition was still serious. More severe injuries were sustained by Miss H. Bragg, of 161 Spey street, who early on Saturday evening was knocked down by a motor car near the Zealandia Hall. She was found to be suffering from concussion, shock and an extensive scalp wound. Late yesterday afternoon her condition was reported to be the same as when she was admitted.