FATAL ACCIDENT NEAR KAIAPOI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17647, 21 September 1925, Page 8

FATAL ACCIDENT NEAR KAIAPOI.

CHRISTCHURCH MAN KILLED LAST NIGHT. A fatal motor accident occurred at Perrm’s Ford. ixaiapoi. late last night, as a result of which Francis Janies .stowart, River Road. Avonsicle. was killed. Ml* Stewart was accompanied by Mr P. J. lnder, who was driving the car, a two-seater Citroen. They were on th© way to Christchurch from Hurnnui, when rounding a dangerous corner at the ford, Ihe car overturned. Stewart’s skull was fractured. lnder was uninjured. An inquest was held at the Courthouse, kaiapoi, before the -District Coroner (Mr V, y v«?rn AYilson). Evidence was given by Constable JHolmes to 'the effect that he was advised of the accident about 10.20 last night. He went to Perrin’s Ford and

found Stewart’s body lying hesule the car. There was a large wound on the left side of the head. The driver of the car was sober. He considered ' the corner a dangerous one at nignt. j cars having previously gone into the ; river. He considered a fence would oc of assistance to traffic at night. Percival Lewis lnder. . solicitor. ' the driver of the car. stated that lie. was | returning frem Hurunui w ith Stewart, i who suggested coming back via Rangiora in preference to the Main North Road. Stewart was directing. AYhen joining down the line road ho did not notice until too .late the corner nt. Perrin’s Ford until :the ear was lightly off the read. Ho attempted o turn, but the grade;of the road and he sharp corner caused the ear to .\ crtui'n. He could not give .an idea ••i the speed of the ear at the time. :fe considered thait the car’s maximum was a- little over thirty miles an hour. He immediately took steps to ■ procure medical assistance. Alexander Forrest, farmer, said that Mr lnder called at his house at about “.20 to telephone for a doctor. The bureau was closed and witness cycled into Kaiapoi. !>r M. Ramsay said that. Stewart was dead when -he. arrived at the scene of the accident. Examination disclosed a fracture of the skull and extensive damage to the brain.

A verdict was'returned that Stewart met his death at. Forrest’s Corner, the cause of death being injuries to the head through being thrown out of a Tire Magistrate, in a rider, said the coiner was a difficult and dangerous •me io negotiate at night. Ho thought that a white fence should be erected to indicate the course of the road at night. Mr Stewart was a single man. and only about thirty years of age. lie was well known in local athletic circles, being a well-known member of t.he Christchurch Football Club and of the Canterbury Rowing Club.