CRASH INTO A GULLY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 138, 15 May 1925, Page 4

CRASH INTO A GULLY.

MOTOR PARTY’S ESCAPE,

ACCIDENT NEAR DARGAVILLE.

WHANGAREI, May 12

While Mr J. O’Dowd and a party consisting of Mrs O’Dowd', Pat und Frank O’Dowd, Mrs Frost, and Mr Denehey were returning from the Whangarei races on Saturday in Mr O’Dowd’s car, the engine stalled as it was ascending the hill on the Dargaville side of Paradise Road. Mr O’Dowd got out to ascertain the cause and found that the engine had become healed. Mr Denehev went in search of some water, while the rest of the party remained in the ear. Suddenly, without warning, jt commenced to run back, and went _ over the side of tlie road, eventually landing on ite side some 60ft. down a deep gully. Mr O’Dowd made a desperate effort to stop the car going over the side, but was not successful, and he had to watch his family apparently being dashed to death. Fortune, however,, favoured the occupants of the car, who all managed to get- out before it reached tho bottom. When picked up by Messrs O’Dowd and Denehey they were little the worse beyond a severe shaking. minor bruises, and fright. The car is badly damaged, and is not insured, but Mr O'Dowd is more than thankful that his party escaped so lightly.