SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9489, 12 May 1913, Page 5

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

DRIVER OF RONGOTEA COACH KILLED.

PASSENGERS' EXCITING ADVEN TURK

Late on Saturday evening news was cir•u la ted in Palmerston that a serious accident had happened to the Rongotea coach (which left town that afternoon at 3.15). and that the driver, Archibald Elliott, had been killed. Information subsequently received confirmed tho report and showed that a tad accident had occurred. THE DEPARTURE.

How the accident actually occurred is not definitely known. The coach left it« usual starting place in Rangitikei street with a full complement of These gradually left the coach at the various stopping places between Palmerston and Awahuri, until only two passengers. Messri Classen and Ruhvaldt, were left. The oo*ch was due at Rongotea at 5.20 p.m., but owing to delays on the road, it was running about 20 minutes late. About a mile on the Awahuri side of Rongotea, Elliott (ths driver) pulled up to light the lamp on the front of the coach and also the lamp inside for the use of the paseen fers.

THE HORSES RESTLESS. Ab far as is known Elliott was just getting out of the coach from lighting the inside lamp when the horses started to move. The passengers saw him start for the front of the vehicle calling out "whoa!" to the horses. They heard no more, but Mr Classen, who was looking out of the coach doorway, saw what he took k) bo a man lying on the road. He informed Mr Ruhvaldt, and just at that, moment the horses started into a gallop. Realising that something was wrong Mr Claasen iumped out, Mr Ruhvaldt remaining whero he was. ' About 200 yards further along tho road the eoach capsized in a drain. Mr Ruhvaldt was thrown into a corner of tho Qooch, but escaped with a few bruises. The horses, four in number, were unhurt except for a few scratches. The coach was badly em ashed. THE DRIVER'S SAD END.

The unfortunate driver was discovered lying dead where he had fallen, his head in a pool of blood. Dr. Stendahl was immediately summoned, but Elliott, was beyond human aid. Death must have been instantaneous. The back of his skull was fractured, while the left brow was crushed in.

PROBABLE CAUSE OF TilK MISHAP. The nature of the injuries lias led to various theories as to how tho accident really occurred. That which seems most feasible is suggested by Mr 0. McDcvitt, •nother employee" of Mr H. (lark (who owned the coach in partnership with deceased). Mr McDevitt was at the sceno of the accident shortly after it happened, and helped to take the body away. He says that by some means or other Elliott must have fallen under tho horses, one of which trod on his head fracturing the skull. The injury on tho face would bo caused by contact with the ground. Mr MoDevitt discredits the theory that Elliott was kicked, because a horse lashes out high and would miss a person lying flat on the ground. The deceased was a single man about 37 years of age, and was very popular in the district. He hailed from Oamaru, where a number of brothers and sisters are still living. Mr Jackson, of Linton, is also a relative of deceased. About two years ago the late Mr Elliott used to drive the Terrace End 'bus for Mr H. J. Woodfi«ld, and was well known in Palmerston.