GIRL’S DEATH.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17991, 9 April 1930, Page 6

GIRL’S DEATH.

motor cycle accident. VERDICT OF INQUEST. An inquest into the circumstances of the death of Iris Rose Blackwell, aged 23, who died on Marcli 20 as the result of a motor cycle and sidecar, driven by Norman Frank Morton, collapsing near Mangaiti, was held at Hamilton to-day, before Mr F. W. Platts, S.M. Dr. M. M. Hockin, Medical superintendent of the Waikato Hospital, gave evidence that the girl was admitted to Hie institution on March 19, suffering from shock and signs of general peritonitis. She was operated on at 8.30 p.m., and .was found to have a ruptured bladder and general peritonitis. She collapsed on the morning of the 30th and died the same afternoon.

Norman Frank Morton, motor mechanic, employed by the Todd Motor Co., Auckland, said that on March 15, accompanied by deceased, he set out on a holiday to Waihi, travelling by motor cycle and side-car. He experienced no trouble with the machine beyond a slight engine defect. He was proceeding on the main Te Aroha-Paeroa road, about seven miles from Te Aroha, at about 35 miles per hour, and slowed down as he approached an angle where the road crossed the railway line. The road was in fair condition, with a certain amount of loose earth on it. He was decelerating, and travelling at less than 20 miles per hour wiieu the machine skidded. The cycle capsized, throwing deceased out, and holding her down. When he lifted the sidecar off her she complained of pain in her stomach, and vomited. There were no witnesses of the accident, but a car came later, and took her to Te Aroha to a private hospital. Witness said he had had no trouble with the machine that would contribute to the accident.

Edith Montgomery, sister in charge of Norana Private Hospital, Te Aroha, stated that on admission deceased was conscious, but appeared to be suffering badly from shock. She made no mention of the accident. She did not appear to know how it happened. She blamed no one. A verdict of accidental death was returned, the coroner stating that there was no evidence to indicate that blame was attachable to anyone.