SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 158, 6 July 1899, Page 7

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

BICYCLE AND HORSE COLLIDE.

CYCLIST NOT LIKELY TO RECOVER.

A serious accident, which, it is feared, will end fatally, took place on PonFonby Road on June 22 to Mr Henry Firth, of Williamson's Avenue, Surrey Hills. Mr Firth was on his way to his work on his bicycle, about 8 o'clock, and when near the Western Park he collided with a horse ridden by a man named William Henry, with the result that he was thrown off his bicycle and seriously injured. He was removed to his home, and Dr. Knight was called in. Th« doctor found that the spine was injured, and afterwards paralysis set in, but it was not at first known whether this was permanent, or was caused by the shock. Drs. Knight and Girdler held a consultation on the case yesterday afternoon, a.nd held no hope of the injured man's recovery. It is considered that his head must have struck full against the horse, and that the collision must have been a forcible one. Mr Firth has a wife and family.

William Henry appeared before the Police Court this morning, and was charged that "on June 22nd he did do grievous bodily harm to one Henry Firth whilst he, the said William. Henry,' was doing an unlawful act, namely when riding a horse along Ponsonby Road and meeting a bicycle ridden by the said Henry Firth, he did not keep on the near side of the said road." The information was laid by Sergeant Walker, of the Newton Police Station. Mr Hugh Campbell appeared on behalf of the accused. Sub-Inspector Wilson applied for a remand, in order that His Worship should take the deposition of the person injured. A remand for one week was granted, and bail was allowed in one security of £50. Dr. Knight, the medical officer who attended Mr Firth, considered that he would not recover, and the dying depositons were therefore taken by Mr Brabant.