SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

Hastings Standard, Issue 17, 15 May 1896, Page 2

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

A HASTINGS BOY FRIGHTFULLY

INJURED

LITTLE HOPES OF RECOVERY. A shocking accident occurred in Market street last evening. It appears that a lad named Peter Jarvis, 16 years of age, in the employ of J. N. Williams, was proceeding Frimley on horseback shortly before \ six o'clock when he came into violent collision with a spring cart owned by Mr Roach and driven by a lad of 13 named Frederick Gibbs. Jarvis was struck by the shaft and thrown from his horse. The shaft penetrated his abdomen to such an extent that the bowels protruded, and the wheel of the cart passed over his leg. The injured lad called to the driver of the vehicle for assistance but the boy drove away. Jarvis was able to walk homo holding the protruding bowels up with his hands. In this terrible state he walked quite two hundred yards His mother happened to be in Napier at the time, but his young brothers and sisters soon procured assistance. Dr Linney was immediately in attendance, and decided that an operation should take place. Considering the serious nature of the injuries, Sergeant Mitchell was sent for and took the lad's depositions before Dr Linney in his capacity as J.P. He was able to relate clearly that he had just crossed Herefcaimga street, and was cantering along when he was struck by the cart, which was not carrying lights. He did not see the vehicle until he was struck. He romemdered the wheel passing over his leg. He called on the boy to stop, but he did not do so. He thenmanagtd to walk homo. An operation was performed under chloroform by Drs Linney and Tosswill, and everything possible done to alleviate the sufferings of the poor lad. He is in a pitiable condition, and little hopes are held out for his recovery. Considerable difficulty was experienced in discovering the driver of the vehicle, as the boy had not informed his employer of the accident. He explains that the reason of his not pulling-up when called upon was that the horse took fright and bolted. Mr Roach is naturally very much cut up, and both he and Sirs Roach have rendered every assistance in their powres. The reason of the vehicle being without lights is stated that the the cart work is generally finished before dusk and lights are not required, but, unfortunately, last evening the cart was detained a little longer than usual and the day being very dull darkness set in early. " On enquiry this afternoon we learn that the lad passed a quiet night, and although he is now lying in a semicomatose condition, hopes are entertained that he may pull through. Dr Linney has been in almost constant attendance all night and day. It is now thought that the step of the cart caused the severe injuries to the stomach.