CLOSE CALL

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20502, 19 May 1938, Page 10

CLOSE CALL

MAN’S DESPERATE ACT FLUNG IN FRONT OF CAR NERVE-WRACKING EXPERIENCE AMUSING TELEPHONE SEQUEL (By Telegraph. —Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday To have a man rush out from the footpath and throw himself on his back, arms and legs asprawl, in front of hfs car was the nerve-wracking experience of the Christchurch City Council accountant, Mr C. S. Bowie, today. Mr Bowie avoided the man with difficulty and the police are now searching for him. Mr Bowie, who lives at Cashmere, was driving his car into town shortly before 9 o'clock this morning when he noticed a man standing on the footpath. Suddenly, as Mr Bowies’ car was just about opposite the man, he ran from the footpath and threw himself headlong in its path. “He either threw himself on his back or rolled over after diving in front of me,” said Mr Bowie. “One tiling is certain and that was that he did not slip, it was a deliberate act.” Mr Bowie braked and swerved sharply, just missing the man by inches. As soon as possible lie looked back through bis rear window and saw the man pick himself up and walk to the other side of the road, where he took up his waiting position again. Mr Bowie’s next action was to telephone the Beckenham police station. Mr Bowie left a message saying what had occurred and giving his name and his office address in case further details were required. The Typist’s Mistake Resuming his journey into town, Mr Bowie decided that he would take further steps to have the man placed under restraint, so he drove to the central police station, where he made a statement. This meant that he was half-an-hour late in arriving at the City Council office. In the meantime the constable at Beckenham had telephoned and asked for Mr Bowie* The typist who answered the telephone told the constable that lie had not yet arrived and then the constable mentioned “attempted suicide.” The word “suicide” was enough for the typist. What she said is not very clear but it was sufficient to give others the impression that Mr Bowie had committed suicide. There was consternation in the office and the distress was only allayed by the arrival of Mr Bowie himself during the morning. The police searched the district for the man answering to the description given by Mr Bowie.