ROADSIDE ACCIDENT.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 61, 14 March 1910, Page 5

ROADSIDE ACCIDENT.

SETTLER'S HORSE FRIGHTENED BY TRACTION ENGINE. OCCUPANTS OF TRAP THROWN OUT. A somewhat sensational accident occurred at Tahoraite on Saturday evening. It appears that Mr C. Neilson's traction engine was journeying from one job to another and found the gate where it was intended to enter barred, with the result that the machine had to be taken a mile or so further on. In the course of this journey the opportunity was taken to draw in water, and a stop was accordingly made, just as the engine started, about 8 o'clock, Mr Harward, of Tahoraite, accompanied by his wife and child, who were driving in a trap, had approached to within about fifteen or twenty yards without seeing the engine or being seen by the driver. The noise of starting the engine at such a short distance naturally frightened the horse, but Mr Harward jumped out ana took it by the head, but the animal became unmanageable and swerved round and jumped the fence. The force of the collision threw the two occupants out, the child escaping unhurt, but Mrs Harward was thrown heavily, being rendered unconscious for some time. The injured lady was conveyed to Mr Bishop's residence ancl restoratives applied. Medical aid was summoned by telephone from Tahoraite homestead, and Dr. Reia Mackay was driven out by Mr J. Armstrong in his motor car. The doctor found that Mrs Harward was suffering from concussion of the brain, ancl Mr Harward had an elbow broken. Yesterday Mrs Harward had sufficiently recovered to be removed to her home, but was still suffering severely from shock. The vehicle was considerably damaged by the collision with the fence. The horse got free from the trap, and disappeared down the paddock, carrying the shafts and harness.