SMASH AT PATEA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 30 September 1927, Page 4

SMASH AT PATEA.

COLLISION 'N RAILWAY YARDS. TWO HORSES KILLED. The Patea railway yards were the scene at about 8.45 yesterday morning o%a crash from which Ernest Pullen, a teamster employed by , IV. C. Glenny, Ltd., narrowly escaped with liis lite, while two of the four horses ne was driving received injuries which resulted in their death before they could be despatched with a shot in the usual course taken with hopelessly maimed animals. Driving a dray drawn by four horses, with three leaders abreast, Mr. Pullen entered the yards just as the down train which leaves Hawera at 7.45 was nppoaching the station. The driver apparently did not notice the train until, as his team was crossing the line about 200 yards to the north of the platform, the engine was too close to enable the horses to get clear. In a fine effort to save the animals lie managed to turn them at right angles,' but only one of the three leaders was clear of the rails, and the engine dashed into the other pair from the rear. Fortunately for the driver and the other two horses, the pair involved in the smash were cut free. Just before reaching the -scene the train was slowing up for the stop, and the application of the brakes bv the engine-driver almost succeeded, in averting the accident, as the engine travelled about a chain only beyond the point where the horses were struck. The animals destroyed were valued at approximately £7O, but were not insured, and their value will be a total loss to the owners.