HEAD-ON SMASH

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1933, Page 8

HEAD-ON SMASH

DOUBLE FATALITY

MOTOR-CYCLE AND LORRY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

ASHBURTON, This Day,

Christopher Tait (23) and Stanley Meldrum (20), both"single, were killed in a head-on collision with a motorlorry when they were riding a motorcycle a mile from Methven at 9 o'clock last night.

Tait, who resides at Methven, was in charge of the cycle, and Meldruni, whose parents reside at Eangiora, was on the pillion. The cycle suddenly burst into flames, which set fire to Tait's clothes. He lost control and the cycle hurtled into a lorry which was approaching. Both were seriously injured. People were soon on the scene, and they ripped the burning clothes from Tait, who expired as he was lifted into a ear waiting to take them to hospital. Meldrum was brought to the Ashburton Hospital and was operated' on immediately. He died at 9 o'clock this morning. His injuries were of a. shocking nature. Later. Inquiries show that the fire occurred after the collision. . It is stated that the motor-cycle had no lights and the lorry only a spotlight.

Tait was 26 years.of age and Meldrum 33.