THE MOTOR FATALITY

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 27, 31 July 1924, Page 7

THE MOTOR FATALITY

CAR OUT OF CONTROL

DIXON STREET ACCIDENT.

Further details to hand concerning the ira-qic sequel to a wedding, mentioned in' "The Post" yesterday, show that the marriage was that of Miss Iris Perkins, of Wellington, to Mr. James Spence, of Petone. The ceremony took place at St. John's Church, Willis street, the Rev. Dr. Gibb officiating, and the bride and bridegroom left by car for a photographer's studio.

A few minutes later a-party of three, including the bridegroom's sister, Miss Agnes Spence, and Mr. A* .Collins, the best man, entered the second car, which was stationed near .the Dixon street entrance to the church. The vehicle was facing down hill, and as soon as the driver, Mr.. John Leslie Pickford, of Petone, released the brakes, it became out of control, and bounded on. to the footpath among the startled guests, finally crashing into a concrete wall. Miss Martha _ Elizabeth Scatchard was killed almost instantly, and six others were injured.' Medical attention was almost immediately forthcoming from Drs. Steele, M'Evedy, and Luke, and three of the number were removed to the Hospital. Following were the casualties:—

Dead: Miss Martha Elizabeth Scatchard, 30 years of age, residing at 3, Louisville terrace.

Injured: Mrs. Florence Toomer, 25 years of age, residing at 20, Robertson street, off Wallace street. Petone, suffering from bruises and shock; progressing favourably in the Wellington Hospital. Mrs. Ada Witts, 48 years of a»e residing at 16, Bolton street, Petone, suffering from shock and bruises; progressing favourably in the Hospital Mrs. Evelyn Whaler, 27 years of age. 44, Palm avenue, Lyall Bay, suffering from shock and injuries to her shoulder-' progressing favourably in the Hospital. Mrs. Mall, 3, Waterloo avenue, Newtewn, Mr. Geeorge Spence, and Mr. A. Collins sustained slight injuries, but after receiving medical attention they were able to proceed to their homes.

11. is understood that ;m examination by it motor inspector of the ear. which t-imscil the fatality lias ruvealecl tlie iiand brake to bg uut of ordi*.