MOTOR CYCLE CRASH

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1936, Page 2

MOTOR CYCLE CRASH

At South Beach Crossing TWO MEN INJURED. A serious accident, involving two Hokitika residents occurred at 5.20 lust evening, at the railway crossing ar South Beach, and as a result both wore admitted to the Grey Hospital. The two men concerned, Thomas Coyle, aged about 22 years, single, of Fitzherbert Street, Hokitika, employed at the Rimu Gold Dredge, and William If. Stickle, married, agad'3o years, of Bealey Street, Hokitika, cycle dealer, were returning by motor cycle to Hokitika. Tf appears that as thep approached the crossing, they swerved to avoid some cyclists, and in doing so, the steering gear of the motor cycle evidently jammed, and the machine failed to take the turn, crashing into the cattle stops at the side of the crossing. Both men were thrown into the air, and Coyle came into contact with a post, Stickle being thrown into some blackberries and gorse at the side of the railway line. They were admitted to hospital shortly afterwards, and Coyle was found to be suffering from fairly severe head injuries, concussion, abrasions and shock. His condition was critical, but later in the evening, a considerable improvement was shown. The injuries of Stickle were less severe, and consisted chiefly of slight, concussion, abrasions to the head and body and shock. His condition last evening was satisfactory. The motor-cycle, a new Ariel model, owned by Coyle, was extensively damaged.