MOTOR – CYCLISTS COLLIDE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19768, 9 April 1934, Page 6

MOTOR - CYCLISTS COLLIDE

SERIOUS SMASH AT MAKIKIHI TWO MEN BADLY* INJURED As a result of a collision between two motor-cycles on the Main South Road, at Makikihi, Thomas Stoddart, of Timaru, and John Rathgen. of Hook, were admitted to Waimate Hospital on Saturday night, suffering from severe injuries. The accident occurred about 150 yards south of Makikihi Hotel at about 7 o’clock. Stoddart, who is a motorcycle salesman, employed by Mr R. A. Rodgers, of Timaru, was taking a cycle to Waimate on a special sidecar attachment to the machine he was riding, and Rathgen, who is employed by Messrs Meehan and Sons. Makikihi, was returning to business after visiting his home for tea. Collided Head-on. It is stated that there was a stray horse on the road, and in swerving to avoid the animal, one of the cyclists collided head-on with the other, Rathgen's machine striking Stoddart’s between the engine and the side-car. Both men were badly injured, and after being attended by Dr. A. G. Pitt, of Waimate, were conveyed to hospital by St. John Ambulance. Rathgen suffered severe head injuries, a broken wrist and a broken leg, while Stoddart suffered a broken leg and severe injuries to his body, the extent of which had not been ascertained yesterday. Late last night Rathgen had not fully recovered consciousness, but Stoddart’s condition was reported to be satisfactory, although both men were still in a critical condition.