A "ROMAN" EPISODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18895, 18 December 1924, Page 12

A "ROMAN" EPISODE.

HORSE OHARIOT BOLTS.

FILM ACCESSORY DESTROYED.

DISASTER NARROWLY AVERTED.

An episode fraught with danger and reminiscent of tho days of Aiistoric Rome happened in Parnell yesterday afternoon when a horse-drawn chariot bolted. Disaster was narrowly averted, and it is believed that one of tho horses will have to be destroyed.

This chariot, which was used to advertise a film now being shown in Auckland, was being driven over the' Newmarket Bridge, when something startled the two horses and they commenced a mad careering gallop down the Parnell Boad toward the city. Whether or not they were trying to emulato the example of their worthy predecessors is known only to the horses, but anyway they passed motor-cars, tramcars, and every other vehicle in their onrush. Tho driver of tho chariot, Mr. W. Parry, clung to the vehicle. Meanwhile women and children, warned by shouts, scampered for safety. When "the horses rounded the, corner by St. Stephen's Avenue they slipped and crashed to the ground near the ioo'tpath. Some men in tho vicinity rushed out and prevented them from renewing their escapade. The driver was thrown to the ground, but except for bodily bruises was none tho worse. Both horses wero badly hurt, one cutting an artery in a leg above tho fetlock. This horse will probably bo destroyed. The chariot, which was specially imported from America, was smashed beyond repair.