SHOCKING FATALITY.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1795, 31 January 1885, Page 2

SHOCKING FATALITY.

A YOUNG- MAN KILLED IN A

HOESE RACE

Information reached Auckland on Thursday of a shocking fatality that occurred at Mangere on the previous evening. Two young men named Ernest Serdifield, aged 18, and David Forsaith proceeded to Mangere Uun for the purpose of testing the speed of their horses. They were accompanied by Messrs A. and J. Hedley, of Mount Koskill. When they arrived at the Run, though it was past eight 'o'clock, and the night was somewhat dark, it was decided to proceed with the race. The horses were started,, Forsaith leading the way. After Forsaith had passed the winning-post he observed Serdifield's riderless horse following him. A search "was made for the rider, when the young man was found lying senseless on the ground about 200 yards from the winning post. He was carried to the residence of Mr F. E. Andrews, a settler, and Dr Scott, of Onehunga, who soon arrived, pronounced the injury to be fracture to the base of the skull, causing concussion of- the brain. Sevdifiold lingered on till eight o'clock next morning, when he died. The deceased, who was a very promising young man, was a stepson of Mr Connelly, storekeeper, of Opotiki. He was employed as a clerk in Messrs Macky, Logan, and Steen's warehouse, Derby and Elliott streets.