RUNAWAY TAXI.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 190, 14 August 1939, Page 10

RUNAWAY TAXI.

DRIVER ATTACKED.

MEN JUMP FROM CAR. WOMAN PASSENGER HURT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Sunday. An alarming experience befell a taxi driver, Mr. N. A. J. Fairclough, about five o'clock on Saturday evening, when he was driving his car with a man and woman as passengers down Ryehill Street, Caversliam.

It is alleged that the two passengers, who were sitting in the back seat, had been drinking and had become involved in an argument with the driver. The climax came when the man climbed over the back seat and assaulted Mr. tairclough and forced him from the car while the vehicle was still moving, trying to take control himself.

Ihe man was unable to manage the vehicle, and !Mr. Fairclough. standing 011 the running board, was unable to get inside again and jumped off as tlie ear's speed increased to miles an hour down hill toward a steep bank at the junction of Ryehill Street with Nottingham Crescent. The male passenger also jumped from the jnoving vehicle as lie saw it was about to pro over the bank.

The woman passenger, liowever, ill remained in the car when it took the plunge. Tlie vehicle was extensively damaged and the woman, who war. married and came from Kaitangata. was taken to hospital suilering Irom injuries to her head.