CYCLIST KILLED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19959, 17 November 1934, Page 18

CYCLIST KILLED

ANOTHER ROAD ACCIDENT CRASH AT ESK VALLEY The second fatal road accident to occur in South Canterbury within two days happened on the Esk Valley Road at about 1.30 yesterday morning, when a single man. Thomas Waite, aged 36. met his death as a result of a collision between the motor cycle he was riding and a motor car driven by James Calhoun Kay, law clerk, of Timaru. Waite was a labourer employed by Mr J JI. Blue, of Bluecliffs. A youth. Stanley Stocker, a son of Mr and Mrs F. Stocker, of Esk Valley, who was pillion riding on Waite’s cycle, is in Timaru Hospital suffering from a broken leg and shock. Waite and Stocker were returning home after having attended a church concert at Esk Valley when they met the car driven by Kay, which was proceeding towards Timaru. The road at the scene of the accident is narrow and, in passing, the cycle was struck by the bumper of the car, the legs of both cyclists being severely mangled. Waite suffered a contused compound fracture of the right thigh, several fractures of the lower leg, and severe internal injuries, from which he died at 9.15 yesterday morning. Kay escaped uninjured, but suffered from shock. The front of the motor cycle was badly smashed, and one of the rear wheels of the car was broken. The bumper bar and rear mudguard also were damaged. The unfortunate men were conveyed to Timaru Hospital by car, both suffering considerably before they were admitted to hospital at 3 a.m. Stocker's condition last night was reported to be improved. Inquest Opened. An inquest was opened yesterday morning before Mr A. L. Gee. Coroner. Sergeant J. R. Hodgson appearing for the police. John Houston Blue, farmer, Esk Valley, gave evidence of identification. Waite had worked for witness during the past two months, and to the best of witness's knowledge was a single man. His age would be between 36 and 40. Waite owned a motorcycle, which he purchased very recently. So far as witness knew, Waite went out on his motor-cycle about 8.30 o'clock on Thursday to go to a concert and dance at Esk Valley School. About 1.30 a.m. yesterday the cowboy brought news of the accident, and witness proceeded to the scene almost immediately. Waite and Stocker were lying on the ground, both being badly injured. The car-driver was standing nearby, and appeared to be quite sober. Waite was conscious at the time, but did not make any statement as to how the accident happened. Witness brought Waite in to the hospital, and Stocker was brought in by Mr J. Stowell. Waite had informed witness that he had no relatives in New Zealand. It would be about 3 a.m. when they arrived at the hosital. The inquest was adjourned sine die.