FARMER KILLED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 6

FARMER KILLED

LORRY OVER BANK TRAGEDY AT MATAMATA OTHER OCCUPANTS INJURED When a lorry he was backing into a sandpit on a hillside on his father’s farm at Matamata capsized and rolled down a 50ft. bank yesterday, Mr Phillip Thirlwall, aged 23, farmer, of Matamata, was killed. His brother, Ronald Thirlwall, aged 20, received a broken shoulder and other injuries. A third occupant of the vehicle, Ronald Boyt, escaped with minor injuries.

All the occupants of the lorry were thrown out but Mr Phillip Thirlwall was pinned under it as it came to rest. Ronald Thirlwall, although badly injured, was able to make his way to the home of Mr J. Clothier on the adjacent farm, from which assistance was sent. He was afterwards taken to the Matamata Hospital, where he is progressing satisfactorily. The boy, Ronald Boyt, was able to remain on the farm.

Mr Phillip Thirlwall, who leaves a young widow and , a 10 months’ old son, was a son of Mr A. S. Thirlwall, a prominent Matamata farmer. He was well known in the show ring as a consistent competitor in horse events. He was also a keen follower of polo. Mr Thirlwall was married less than two years ago.