FERRY ACCIDENT AT TUAKAU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9404, 10 January 1894, Page 5

FERRY ACCIDENT AT TUAKAU.

A ' wonderful escape from , a fatality occurred on Saturday, January 6, as Mr. Glasson with his horse was crossing the Waikato river on the punt at the Tuakau ferry. On getting aboub one-third the distance across the river, the excursion steamer bound for the Heads, came quickly down the stream withoub any warning till getting close upon the punt, when she blew an alarm whistle. But ib was then too late for anything to be done to avoid a catastrophe. The occupant of the punt appeared o be in imminent peril. As ib was, the steamer struck the wire cable which was at the time about two feet out of the water, on which- the punt works, and carried it completely away. The concussion almost capsized the punt, and the horse was thrown overboard into the water by the shock, but was able to swim to the shore and effect a - landing. ,-. Fortunately Mr. Glasson sustained little injury other than a severe shaking and being upsob by the steamer running Against the wire cable. The Messrs. Griffin Bros, were • able to render timely assistance by helping to get the punt and occupant brought to land, This accident is evidently the result of carelessness on the part of someone. The occupant of the punt blames the captain of the steamer for the accident in coming down quickly withoub giving any warning of his approach. The captain of the steamer blames the person on the punt for gross carelessness in putting out with the punt before carefully ascertaining whether the steamer was in dangerous proximity or nob, and the delayed and inconvenienced travelling public blame both and everyone else connected with the matter. One thing, however, is certain, and that is that the steamer can give way, and change its course, which the punb cannot do, as when ib is once fairly launched little can be done to avoid coming in contact with the steamer should it come down the stream quickly and without giving warning. The punt is much used, and is continually conveying travellers from side to side, and as the steamer and the' punt both appear to have an equal right to cross each other's course in the discharge of their several duties, it is to be hoped thab each one connected therewith will exercise the utmost care to prevenb an accident. This occurrence should impress upon the Government the desirability and importance of building a bridge across the river at this point before a fatal accident happens.—[Own Correspondent] »;''"'•/,