PLUNGE DOWN A RAVINE

Taranaki Daily News, 6 January 1931, Page 2

PLUNGE DOWN A RAVINE

LORRY AND FOUR PEOPLE AGED MAN DIES FROM INJURY. ARDUOUS TASK OF HELPERS. A motoring accident, resulting subsequently in the death of Mr. William Jones, occurred on the Upper Papamoa Road, 10 miles from Tauranga, on New Year’s Day, reports the Tauranga correspondent of the New Zealand Herald. Mr. Harry Jones, a well-known farmer of Papamoa, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Miss Sybil Jones, and his father, Mr. William Jones, aged 80 years ’were travelling in- a. lorry in the direction of Te Puke. When about a mile east of the entrance gate of Mr. Jones’ farm the vehicle went over the edge of a steep ravine about 500 feet or°6oo feet deep, and somersaulted many times downward. Mrs. and Miss Jones were thrown clear and escaped injury, and eventually the lorry struck a rock which cheeked its descent. Before it stopped Mr. H. Jones and his father were thrown out at . different points. The momentum was so great,. however, that Mr. W. Jones -was thrown a considerable distance off the track left by the vehicle. Mr. H. Jones was cut about the face and much bruised. A search was .immediately made for Mr. W. Jones, and he was found suffering from a broken collarbone and serious internal injuries. He was conscious. Miss Jones ran for help to Mr. Staite’s house, about a mile and a half away. Mr. and Mrs. Staite went to the scene of the accident. Further aid was summoned by telephone and six more helpers arrived. A track had to be cut, and after this laborious work was completed Mr. W. Jones, who had received first aid, was brought up to the roadway. He was removed to his son’s home at Papamoa and died shortly after five o’clock on Sunday morning. Mr. H. Jones was taken to hospital on the evening of. the accident, severely shaken • and suffering from shock. Mr. William Jones has resided in Tauranga for about 50 years. He originally held land at Te Puke and was in business in Tauranga for a long period. He was closely identified with the Presbyterian Church and also conducted the musical society. He retired from business about 10 years ago. He took a very keen interest in local affairs. He is survived by one son and one daughter.