Taranaki Herald 20 December 1895

Tataraimaka

A serious accident happened at the Timaru factory last Saturday
morning. Mr CUTFIELD's cart had been to the factory and delivered
the milk, and was proceeding home with the skimmed milk. It had
crossed the Timaru bridge, and when going round a bend in the road,
the horse suddenly saw a horseman coming towards him. This seemed to
startle him, and he stopped short and at the same time commenced to
back down the hill towards the river. The road being narrow, as soon
as he got off the metal there was nothing to prevent the cart from
going straight into the river. Mr W. LUCKIN, who was driving the cart,
when he saw what was going to happen, and as he could not control the
horse, tried to jump clear of the cart, but in doing so he must have
caught his foot in something, for he fell behind the cart, when one
wheel passed over his chest, and the other over his leg near the
ankle. The horse then trampled over him and backed into the river,
where the cart capsized, a broken shaft and other damage being the
result, the horse escaping without a scratch. About 50 gallons of
milk was spilt, and the cans will bear traces of their rough usage
for the rest of time. Willing hands from the factory were soon on the
scene, and rendered every assistance. Mr LUCKIN was in a very bad
state, and it was thought some bones were broken. Dr LEATHAM was
immediately sent for, and he lost no time in coming out; meanwhile
the unfortunate young man was taken to Mr CUTFIELD's house, and made
as comfortable as possible until the doctor arrived. After examination
it was found that he was very badly bruised, but the doctor thought
there were no bones broken. Mr CUTFIELD took the sufferer in to the
hospital the next day, where, no doubt, he will receive every care
and attention, and I hope soon to see him amongst us again.

I would like to draw the attention of the County Council to this
dangerous and unprotected piece of road before a worse accident
happens. Three or four panels of fencing is all that is required
to make it comparatively safe.