MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8385, 13 October 1890, Page 5

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

A CABMAN DRIVES OVER THE WHARF.

HE IS RESCUED.

TWO HORSES DROWNED.

Ok Saturday evening, about twenty minutes to ten, Mr. DUvid Patterson, cabdriver, went down the wharf to meet the Thames steamer. Just before reaching the Norbhcoto ferry tee, either blinded by the gas lamps or through the horses swerving, he drove right over the wharf on bhe western side. So sudden was tho whole affair that not a singlo cry was heard, bub several persons noticed the accident and gave the alarm. Constables Macdonnld and Mackay, «nd Waterman Griffiths, went out in a boat and rescued Patterson, who was floating about bead downwards, with his arms outstretched and unconscious, They thought lie was dead ; bub Constable Mack ay rinding his heart to be boating, they placed him across tho thwarts, and adopted Dr. Hall'a treatment for the apparently drowned, and on Patterson recovering consciousness he was brought to tho Water Police Station. Dr. Haines had been meanwhile telephoned for, and on arrival he took further measures, and also directed Patterson's removal to the Hospital. On inquiring last evening our reporter was informed that he waa progressing favourably." The two horses—a pair of nice greys— were drowned. One of them yot under the wharf, and the body of the other animal floated over to the No. 2 jetty. Some men attempted to raise the cub ; bub their apparatus was rather primitive, and when it was raised to the surface it overbalanced and disappeared, but further efforts will be made for its recovery. It is fortunate that no one was in the cab at the time of the accident as they would almost certainly have been drowned. Even Patterson's escape was little short of miraculous.