PUTARURU FATALITY.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 231, 5 April 1928, Page 5

PUTARURU FATALITY.

INQUEST ON VICTIMS. The enquiry touching the deaths of Andrew Connor and Edward Heckt, who died in Rotorua Hospital as a result of a motor accident on March 17, was held on Friday, before Mr. S. L. Paterson, coroner. Dr. Hasiett, of Putaruru, stated that when he arrived on the scene, shortly after 6 p.m., he found both men unconscious. Connor had a bad laceration on the right forearm, was bleeding from the nose, and suffering from severe concussion and shock. Heckt was suffering from severe concussion and shock. No marks of external injury, except for a slight abrasion over the left temple, was visible on the latter. Later, after administering necessary treatment, and further examination, he ordered their removal to Rotorua Hospital. Two other occupants of the car had slight injuries, and were able to proceed home.

Edward Fenwick Halse, surveyor, of Putaruru, stated he was returning from Waotu to Putaruru about 6.20 p.m. on March 17, and when near the intersection of the Waotu and Arapuni roads he saw Connor’s car coming from the direction of Putaruru. The car was travelling at a fast speed well over on its correct side. The car was wobbling as it came round the bend, and it then ran off the metal and turned over twice, finally landing right way up. When the car finally came to rest witness’ car was practically alongside. The five men in the car were on the ground, but shortly afterwards two got up. A short while after Dr. Rayner, of Auckland, arrived on the scene and assisted in looking after them.

Herbert Barnett stated he was in the car when the accident occurred. He sat in the front seat by Mr. Connor, who was driving at a fair speed. Connor ran off the road at the bend arid could not get the car back again. They had passed another car previously, about three chains from the bend. Connor was not drunk, but was not an experienced driver. The capsize was not caused by the other car in any way. In witness’ opinion the accident was caused by the bend being taken at too great a speed. James Roland Rolfe, painter, of Putaruru, stated he was with Connor a good part of the afternoon. Connor was drinking small shandies, and was quite sober when he left him at six o’clock. Witness saw Heckt but did not. speak to him. He also was sober.

The verdicts returned were that Connor died through heart failure on March 20, following the capsize of a car driven by himself on March 17; and that Heckt died from respiratory failure on March 27 as a result of the same accident.