SENSATIONAL RUNAWAY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 6 April 1908, Page 5

SENSATIONAL RUNAWAY.

AN AUCKLAND AFFAIR

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 5. A sensational "runaway occurred in Queen Street on Saturday afternoon, shortly after one o'clock. When the. traffic was at its busiest a sis-horse brake came' careering wildly down the thoroughfare from VictoriaJStreet almost to Customs Street. The bolting horses were successfully manoeuvred through" the crowded street, though quite a number of accidents were iiar-> rowly averted. When nearing the Customs Street corner, where traffic is always congested, a catastrophe seemed inevitable, but just before this point was reached the career of the runaways was cut short in rather a sensational manner. Several trams were drawing up to the intersection, and the street was crowded with the 1 o'clock rush of people struggling for the means of reaching their homes. Ahead was a gig, occupied by Dr. Owen and a groom. To swerve to the right meant a collision with a tram pole, while to the" left meant a lurch on to the footpath. . The driver endeavoured to pass:.between the gig and the post, but the heavy brake proved too unwieldy and crashed into th G gig, smashing the wheel on the driver's side to pieces. Scarcely a- spoke of: the wheel was left intact. Dr. Owen and his driver were both thrown on to the roadway,' but escaped serious injury. The horse was also thrown to the ground as a result of the impact, but fortunately the gig alone was damaged, lhe greatest credit was given by eye witnesses to the driver (Mr. Andrews) tor what followed as the team thundered down Queen Street. Mr. Andrews had shown remarkable presence of mind and, grasping the situation as he neared the foot of Queen Street, he .literally threw his horses to the ground, usinc^ all his weight on the off-leader. Several .of the horses were very badly cut aboutj more particularly the leader which came down.