WEDDING TRAGEDY

Southland Times, Issue 20537, 13 July 1928, Page 7

WEDDING TRAGEDY

car OVERTURNS RIM AND TYRE COME OFF BRIDE’S FATHER FATALLY INJURED (Per United Press Association.) Pahiatua, July 12. A wedding tragedy occurred last evening resulting in the death of Donald Urquhart Gunn, married with a family, employed' by the Tui Brewery Company at Mangatainoka. Deceased was attending the wedding of his daughter Jessie to Jack Ellmers of Kohi* nui. After the reception held at Mangatainoka Hall the bridal party motored to Woodville to entrain on their honeymoon. Deceased followed in another car driven by his son-in-law, George Henry Withers, a surfaceman residing at Featherston. Also in the car were Mrs Withers and child, Mrs Ross and Miss Ross (Masterton), and Mra Rundle (Nireaha). Deceased was in the back seat of the car. Going down a slope between Mangatainoka and Ngawapurua the rear right hand rim and tyre came off causing the wheel to skid on loose metal. The car turned a complete somersault and all were thrown out with the exception of Mrs Ross. Deceased succumbed to his injuries at the public hospital shortly after admission. Mrs Withers and Mrs Rofs were also taken to the hospital with various injuries. The remainder were badly bruised. Deceased was formerly a resident of Alfredton. Mesdames Ross and Withers have regained consciousness and are suffering from shock. Mrs Rundle is now at her daughter’s place and is also greatly suffering from shock. The deceased, Mr Gunn, was aged about 56. INQUEST ON VICTIM. Pahiatua, July 12. At the inquest this afternoon on the motor tragedy victim, Donald Urquhart Gunn, the coroner, Mr J. D. Wilson, returned a verdict of accidental death. He said there was no evidence of negligence. The car was driven by G. H. Withers a aon-in-law at a reasonable speed. It was quite reasonable to assume that loose metal caused the skid. It was a most unfortunate happening after wedding festivities and a severe blow to the family. He extended hia sympathy.