CAR'S FATAL PLUNGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22094, 27 April 1935, Page 13

CAR'S FATAL PLUNGE

DROWNING OF WOMEN EVIDENCE AT INQUEST HUSBAND DESCRIBES ACCIDENT [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] TE KUITI, Friday An inquest was opened to-day concerning the death of Mrs. Ann Hyde, aged 72, and Mrs. Media Bebe Rait, aged 26, who were drowned when tho motor-car in which they wero riding plunged into tho river by the bridge at the junction of the Taranaki and Central Highways yesterday. Coleridge Bait, stationer, of Raotilii, and a resident of Ohakune, said he and his wife were returning from Auckland and, at Te Kuiti, picked up his grandmother, Mrs. Hyde. He was not familiar with the route, and, at tho intersection was not certain which route to take. The sun obscured his vision. He took a late turn and tho car skidded through the loose metal to the grass at tho right-hand side of the road.

After the car plunged into the river lie managed to open the door on his side. He tried to help the others, but became exhausted.

James Kearns, a Maori lad who was on the bridge at the time, said the car did not appear to slacken speed near the intersection. When almost on the corner tho car turned toward the bridge and skidded, out of control. He thought it might hit him and ho ran. He just saw tho flash of the hood as tho car disappeared into the river. .Tames Niehol said tho previous witness came shouting to his cabin, 150 yards from the bridge. AY hen he arrived he saw a man on the car. The inquest was adjourned.