STRATFORD DISTRICT PAGE

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1926, Page 10

STRATFORD DISTRICT PAGE

Telephone Nos. 152 Office 218 Private

(FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTERS)

Telephone Nos. 152 Office 218 Private

DEATH .BV MISAOVENTUBC. MOTOR-CAR STRIKES BRIDGE. INQUEST AT STRATFORD. A verdict that deceased met his death by' misadventure in a motor accident while driving along the Ohura Road beyond Toko iu a ear driven by G. G. Longstaff, no blame being attachable to anyone, was returned at the adjourned inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Charles Weldon Tucffr, aged 65 years, a cook at the Gordon Read lime works, w-ho was killed when the car struck the side of a small concrete bridge about eleven o’clock on the evening of October 23, The acting-coroner, Mr. C. D. Sole, J.P., presided, while Sergeant Reid conducted proceedings on behalf of the police. GAVE DECEASED A LIFT. George G. Longstaff, farmer, of Toko, said he left his home about 8.30 p.m. on the evening of the accident to proceed to the township. He was alone in his car when he left Toko about 10.45 p.m.,, but before going far picked deceased up in response to a hail, and offered him a lift as far as witness’ house. Deceased wanted to reach Gordon Road and at once climbed into the ear. As the car was ascending a small hill some distance along the road, witness heard a motor-cycle approaching from the rear and proceeding in the same direction. He drew off the road to allow the cycle to pass, then regained the crown of the road. The motor-cycle appeared about to stop and witness again drew off in anticipation of having to pass the slow-moving machine. The cyclist, however, speeded up and witness endeavoured to swing baek on to the road. At the foot of the hill there was a concrete bridge just round a bend and witness struck the sides with the left of the car. Neither witness nor deceased were moved from their seats, but when witness climbed down t-o investigate the damage, he gained the impression that the passenger was injured. He shook him, and spoke to him, but received no answer. Another car arrived on the scene at that time and conveyed deceased to the hospital at Stratford. Questioned as to the speed of his car, witness said he had been travelling at about 20 miles per hour at the top of the hill, but had reduced this speed to about 10 miles per hour when the bridge was reached. Witness he was perfectly sober, not having had a drink that day. He was, however, unable to say what deceased s condition was like, as he was unknown to witness and had not been in the car very long. Witness had only owneel the car six months and the

brakes and lights were in good order. He was a competent driver. When the car struck the bridge the left upright supporting the hood was broken, and it was a corner of this upright that witness believed had struck deceased. Dr. D. Steven, who examined the body, explained that among other injuries, the left little finger had been crushed almost off, while there were abrasions the same hand. Abrasions wero also noticed on the cheek and a portion of the left ear was torn away. The breastbone was fractured, indicating severe injuries inside the chest, which in itself was sufficient to cause death. To a juror: The extent of the injuries seemed to indicate that deceased had been struck by something more solid than a broken upright. The acting-coroner: Deceased was | probably struck by the concrete bridge as he swayed forward on the sudden stoppage of the car. Francis Walter Ford, farmer, of Makahu, who drove the second ear, said that Mr. Longstaff’s car was jambed against the bridge with deceased seated in the front passenger seat. Fearing that he had received severe injuries, deceased was removed from the wrecked ear and placed in witness’ car for conveyance to the hospital, but died just before reaching Stratford shortly before twelve o'clock. During the whole time deceased never spoke. Witness spoke to Longstaff at the time, and believed him to be excited but quite sober. FURNITURE ON FIRE. oout £lO worth of damage was sustained to furniture belonging to 'Mr. W. G. Broadley, of Warwick Road, Stratford, when, about 11.15 a.m. yesterday a spark from an open fire ignited a hearth rug which blazed up and spread tc a piano, drawn close to the fire for airing purposes. An armchair was also I burned and the floor charred. The brigade was quickly on the spot and soon extinguished the outbreak, which was beginning to lick the walls. VISIT TO TANGARAKAU. Keen interest is being evinced in Thursday’s trip to the Public Works construction camp at Tangarakau and the 100 tickets available have nearly all been disposed of. The trip, which is calculated to give Stratford business men a first-hand knowledge of the progress of the Stratford-Main Trunk railway, being organised by the Stratford Chamber of Commerce acting in conjunction with the Stratford Progress League. If tlie weather clears, a very enjoyable day should be spent in an interesting locality. The special train will leave Stratford at 8.30 a.m. and will arrive at Tahora in time to connect with the

I’Jblic Works train heading on to the Tangarakau Flat. The sightseers should reach tho camp at about 11.15 a.m., 'where the hall will be .available for the purpose of having tire lunch which excursionists will be wise to take with them. Tea and milk will be provided free. The return train will leave at 3.15 p.m., reaching Stratford at six o’clock. GENERAL ITEMS. < Two days ago one of Mr. W. Cannon’s ducks laid an enormous egg which, when boiled and cracked was found to contain another egg of perfect shape and normal size within. This phenomenon is similar to an egg which was brought to the News’ Stratford office a few months ago by a resident of Mahoe. When a corner was chipped off, it was seen that the inside egg, though perfect in shape and shell, was smaller than normal. Inquiries to-day by the News show that the condition of James Farrelif, who was seriously wounded in tho face through the shooting incident at Tangarakau last Sunday, is slowly improving, though still deemed critical. It is’ thought that Farrelly will lose the sight of one eye, though the other is not yet out of danger. Mr. C. D. Sole, who has been confined to his bed seriously ill for the past few weeks, made his first public appearance yesterday when he presided over a coroner’s inquiry at the Stratford Court. Mr. Sole appears to have made a remarkable recovery. This morning, Mr. B. Boyle, who has been on the local railway staff for some time, left for Matata, Bay of Plenty, to take up a position there. “STELLA DALLAS.” I A crowded house saw the first screening of “Stella Dallas,” at the King's Theatre last night, and. everyone in the audience was impressed by the picture. “Stella Dallas” is no ordinary movie drama. It is a vivid recital of the dreams, hopes, fears and oft-times pitiably •humorous disillusionment that crowd the love-life of most girls—revealed in a wonderful real-life story that should touch the sympathy of everybody. It presents a truly unique dramatic performance on the part of Miss Belle Bennett, a famous American tragedienne, who now makes her first appearance on the screen. In her company is Ronald Cclman; the brilliant juvenile actress, Lois Moran; and the entertaining character actor, Jean Herseholt; as well as Alice Joyce, Douglas Fairbanks jun., and several others who have, in this remarkable picture, won new-found fame—mainly through the superb direction of the producer, Henry King.' “The programme will be repeated in Stratford for the last time to-night.