MOTORIST'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22005, 11 January 1935, Page 11

MOTORIST'S DEATH

CAR'S PLUNGE OVER BANK WELL-KNOWN LADY GOLFER EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST An inquest concerning the death of Miss Jessie Margaret Reid, aged 50, of 5 Alten Road, City, who received fatal injuries early on Wednesday afternoon, when the motor-car she was driving plunged over a bank at the foot of Minnehaha Avenue, Takapuna, was held h,y Mr. Wyveru Wilson, S.M., coroner, yesterday.

Sinclair Chapman Reid, <1 brother of deceased, said his sister had driven for tho past 16 years. Last October she purchased a new motor-car. As far as lie knew it was in good order. Boris Richard Baechmann, of 80 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, said he and several others were returning from a swim at Thome's Bay. As they were walking up the path leading to Minnehaha Avenue he heard the engine of a car at the top of tho rise above them. There was a woman at the wheel and tho machine appeared to be travelling fairly quickly. The car ran down the steep bank to the first footpath and then bounced over that to the next footpath, where it came to rest. The driver was wedged in, but appeared to be conscious and to be making an endeavour to extricate herself. Her legs were wedged in under the dashboard and the steering wheel was broken. After making an unsuccessful attempt to move her witness went for assistance. Dr. Stuart Bain Mackay said in his opinion death was instantaneous and was caused by a fracture dislocation of the neck. There was a deep laceration on the point of the chin, consistent with it having come in violent contact with the steering wheel. The coroner returned a .verdict of death due to misadventure through being accidentally killed while driving a motor-car. TRIBUTES AT FUNERAL MESSAGES AND FLOWERS Three motor-cars were filled with floral tributes at the funeral of the late Miss Jessie Reid yesterday. They were principally from personal but wreaths and expressions of sympathy were also sent from many golf clubs, among the members of which Miss Reid was very highly esteemed. Miss Reid was a pioneer member of the Auckland Ladies' Golf Club, and was also an executive member of the Ladies' Golf Union of New Zealand. She had always been prominent for her de6p interest in the organisation and promotion of the game. The services at her home and at the Waikaraka Cemetery were conducted by the Rev. James Milne and the Ri3v. Gladstone Hughes, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, of which Miss Reid was a member.