CARS COLLIDE ON BRIDGE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1930, Page 10

CARS COLLIDE ON BRIDGE

ACCIDENT AT MIDHIRST. TWO PERSONS IN HOSPITAL, - , Miraculous escapes from serious injury were experienced by drivers and passengers’of a car and a light truck that collided on the wooden bridge just north of Midhirst yesterday at about 8 a.m. The car, a big saloon'driven by Mr. J. Somerton, New Plymouth, and the truck, driven by Mr. L. 11. Jardine, an employee of the Taranaki Electric Power Board residing at’ Stratford, were severely damaged by the impact, the truck being crushed against the bridge, while the front of the car was shattered. The vehicles met practically head on, the truck travelling northwards and the car in the opposite direction. Mr. Somerton was cut about by broken glass, as was Airs, F. Olliver, of New Plymouth, who was admitted to a private hospital at Stratford suyering from a scalp wound. Air, Somerton went on to Wangadui, hi' destination, in another car. Other members bf the car party returned to New Plymouth. They suffered only slight injuries.

Mr. Jardine was also admitted to a Hospital, his injuries being a broken nose and fractured check bone. Two other men were in the truck with him, but were not injured to any extent. GENERAL ITEMS. When two motor-cars collided at a bridge near Midhirst yesterday the roadway and a portion of the bridge were plentifully sprinkled with flint-edged pieces of glass, over which all the traffic from North Taranaki to the trial Rugby match at Stratford or further south had to pass. A Daily News reporter encountered two cars with punctured tyres between Afidhirst and Stratford, both having picked up glass at the scene of the accident. “If this meeting has done nothing else, it has again. demonstrated the need for some form of retailers’ organisation that will be able to speak with a united voice on matters such as these,” said Air. D. J towards the conclusion of the general meeting of business people of- Stratford on Wednesday evening, called by the Alayor to discuss the advisability of making arrangements for a holiday on . the occasion of the British football match at New Plymouth on Saturday, Alay 24, To complete arrangements for the incorporation of the club, a general meeting of members of the Celtic Football Club was held in the gymnasium prior to last night’s practice. So far about 30 applications for space have been a;le by showmen to the executive of the Stratford winter show.

The president, Mr.' A. J. Davey, reported to a recent meeting of the executive of the Stratford-Winter Show Association that the Taranaki Minorca Club’s chaiiipioiiship show would be held in conjunction with the show, and several valuable trophies would be offered for competition. The following players will represent the Stratford Golf Club against the Waitara club, in a-match at Stratford this week-end: R. B. Anderson, D. Jefferies, K. N. Neal, R. H. Burmester, L, R. Curtis, G. G. Newell, H. E. Abraham, E. S. Rutherfiird, J., S. Lyons, D. R. Fisher, T. Urwin, R. Slater. , . < The- fortnightly dance of the Eltham Fire Brigade, held on Wednesday evening in tlie Oddfellows’ hall, was very well patronised. Mrs. Attrill provided excellent mi.sic and the programme of modern and old time dances was thoroughly enjoyed. A lucky spot waltz was won by Miss A. Cooper and Air. Reg. Harrison. Mesdames Murray and Gyde were in charge of the supper arrangements. Messrs. P. Gavigan and J. Peacock were masters of ceremonies.

The Scottish Society held a social and dance in the parish hall last night, the floor being taxed to accommodate the large number who desired to dance. The pipe band played for several waltzes, Sait’s orchestra supplying the remainder of the music. Songs were sung by Misses M. Cocker, Rawhitiroa, and T. Gibson, Eltham. Mr. W. Stewart was master of ceremonies.

Mr. P, Thomson, Mayor of Stratford, has forwarded the following night letter to Sir Joseph Ward: “We learn with regret the that your health compels you relinquishing the position of Premier. I am. sure all sections of the local community join with me in wishing that relief from the cares and burden of office will expedite your recovery of good health.” PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. A. W. Davey left yesterday morning qii return to Massey College, Palmerston North. Mrs. G. T. Wilson' left yesterday on a short holiday visit to Wanganui. Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Moonie, of Te Kuiti, who are on a motor tour of the North Island, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Trotter, East Road, Stratford. Air. W. T. Hicks, Otane, has been appointed judge of the fancy section in poultry at the forthcoming Stratford winter show, and Air. H. J. Moverley, of New Plymouth, judge of canaries and cage birds. Mr. Max Gernhoefer has been appointed deputy chairman to act with the president in all matters in connection with the Stratford winter show. Mr, L, Swindlehurst is in Hawera hospital suffering from injuries to his face. Mr. E. A. Piper, Tatanui, is staying a few days with his parents at Lowgarth before attending Alassey College, where he is taking a course in dairy science.