Worst Road Tragedy

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30051, 8 February 1963, Page 10

Worst Road Tragedy

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 7. An independent inquiry will be made into today’s road tragedy in Northland. The Minister of Transport (Mr Mic Alpine) said tonight: “Iliis is undoubtedly New Zealand’s worst road accident. I am deeply distressed at the appalling loss of life. “The cause of this terrible accident is not yet known, but I have arranged for a full inquiry to be made at the earliest possible date. “I would like to tender my deepest sympathy, as well as that of the Government and the Road Safety Council, to those who have lost loved ones.”

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight that everyone had been shocked and deeply distressed to learn of the bus tragedy. “After the memorable and happy gathering of Maori people at Waitangi to greet the Queen this great sorrow will be felt in every home,”

he said. "I know that in the shock of this accident everyone will feel deeply for the families of the many homes So suddenly and tragically affected. “On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand. I wish to extend to those who are bereaved the heartfelt sympathy of us all in this great loss.

“I know all will join us in expressing the hope that the injured will make an early recovery.” This evening Mr Holyoake spoke on the telephone to the Minister of Maori Affairs <Mr Hanan) who had returned to Whangarei to visit the injured. The Prime Minister said he had been in touch personally with the police and Transport Department officials and gave an assurance that everything possible in the way of assistance was being done by the Government agencies concerned.