EXCITING COACH JOURNEY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 230, 3 November 1909, Page 2

EXCITING COACH JOURNEY.

leiegrapli.—Press Association. ChristclmreJi, Lust Night Passengers from the West Coast yesterday did not arrive in town till n Quarter to one this morning, and re- ' l ported a rather exciting and eventful * trip. They reached Otira nt about Hi ' oelock, when information was received ' that the river was 3ft. fiin. above normal at Ren lev, and it looked as if thev would be lield up for the duv. Later 0.1, however, word came that'the river was falling, and it was decided to push oil. The coaches left Otira about 2.30, the river being so high tliat the nassengers crossed by the footbridge leaving .the vehicle, to ford the stream, l'he 1 flaimakariri was still a trifle high. The .driver, ,Searle, ]ooked for a suitable i o " horselw ? k located a spot . 1 ! the crossing could be made wHn A safety. The pa avengers were then col- " veyed across in a stout waggonette at n Tl/'n" 0 T.enving Be.iley again at 0.4!>, Broken River was readied about 10 . P' 1 "-' the last eoach came to grief on the hill above the station. The ?" ver - P'Tke, who was hnggi n ,r the >» 1 pretty closely in the darkfgot into 1 the bLI" w PßettlnS , the coach "fPinst the hank. He was thrown out on his „ ead, but stuck to the reins, while one Bj lf t . 1 ! 0 I>™engm jumped clear and mn .» the horses' heads. There were six , lersons inside, who got a fright but t icyond a severe shaking came t„ no isrm. They finished the jonrnev into JJ! Irokei, River, a matter of 300 .yards, on 1 not, while the eoach was righted n nd ronght ou wifJi the luggage. The Deartment delayed the train, and Christ- f burob mi reaoked about 12,43,