Auckland Star, 27 November 1903, Page 3
A sensational accident occurred at the Temuka cycling sports to-day. Clark
(Christchurch) set out on a 3½ h.p. motor cycle to do an exhibition mile. He
rode a quarter of a mile in 21sec., then lost control of his vehicle, which went
over the banked track at the south end. In the fall the machine struck a post,
and Clark was thrown several yards and fell on his face and chest. He was picked
up semi-conscious, bleeding very freely. Medical aid was quickly procured. No
bones were found broken, but Clark lost a lot of blood, and was suffering
greatly from the shock. It is hardly known yet what the real injuries are, but
he was able, before being taken to Temuka, to speak freely to the doctor. Clark
was riding about 50 miles an hour when the cycle ran off. The machine was
buckled, and was broken almost to pieces.
Ashburton Guardian, 27 May 1909, Page 3
May 27. Yesterday afternoon an accident happened on Lower High street, Waimate.
Mr E. Hayman was riding his motor cycle when he met a dray with two horses. It
is alleged that the leading horse swerved across the motorist's track, causing
him to be thrown heavily, fortunately without serious result. He was stunned,
but soon recovered and- resumed his journey.
Timaru Herald, 22 December 1910, Page 6 The story of an accident
between spring dray and motor cycle.
At Washdyke. The facts connected with an accident which happened at Washdyke 6
months ago, were ventilated in Court yesterday when Herbert W. Cox of Booth,
Macdonald and Co., claimed £4 from George Tait, a farmer on Rangitata Island,
for damage sustained to plaintiff's motor cycle, by a collision with a spring
dray which the defendant was as driving. Mr Emslie appeared for the plaintilf
and Mr S. G. Raymond tor the defendant. The case occupied some considerable time
in hearing, but the facts may be briefly stated as follows: One Saturday night
in July last, the defendant with his wife and child drove out of Timaru in a
spring dray for their home at Rangitata Island. Leaving Timaru at haft-past five
they overtook an Arowhenua tanner named Matthew Smith, at Waimataitai and gave
him a lift as he had missed his train, and was walking home. The drove steadily
along and when near the old boiling down works at Washdyke a motor cycle, ridden
by the plaintiff, came suddenly upon thorn from behind there was a collision
between the two vehicles; the plaintiff was thrown on to the road and stunned,
and his cycle considerably damaged. Defendant helped plaintiff on to his cycle
again which the latter took to Robertson's, at Washdyke, for temporary repairs,
and then rode on towards Temuka. At Arowhenua the cycle refused further duty,
and defendant then took plaintiff in his trap to Temuka the place he had set out
to reach on leaving Timaru. The point was as to who was responsible for the
accident. Plaintiff said that defendant was, because he had no light on his
trap, because he was on his wrong side of the road, and because he had driven
his horse negligently. The plaintiff's story was uncorroborated by any witness.
Defendant on the other hand, said there had been no negligence whatever on his
part. He said it was true that his had no lights, but there was no legal
obligation to have lights in the country; that he was well over the crown of the
road on. his proper side: that he heard no warning of the approach of plaintiff
from behind; and that the plaintiff, though having plenty of room to pass on his
proper side of the road, was travelling at an excessive speed, and in the
darkness had ridden into the horse which defendant was driving, the horse being
startled by the sudden flash of the light from plaintiffs lamp shining on an
iron fence at the side of the road. The evidence of defendant was corroborated
by his wife and Matthew Smith. The Magistrate held that no negligence on the
part of defendant had been proved, and the weight of evidence was in favour of
the defendant on the point as to whether he was on his proper side of the road
at the time of the Plaintiff should have been more careful in passing the trap
to avoid an accident. Judgment would be for the defendant with costs.
Ashburton Guardian, 9 May 1911, Page 2
May 9. Mr James McKay, a sheep buyer, well-known throughout the district, met
with a serious accident on the road to Fairlie in the vicinity of Cricklewood,
on Saturday evening. He was proceeding home on his motor cycle when the back-tyre
suddenly collapsed, Mr McKay being tossed forward on to the road. Unconscious,
and suffering from severe, injuries to the head McKay was carried to Mr
O'Connor's residence. Dr. Dunn attended to the injured man, who was round to
have sustained a slight concussion of the brain. Yesterday he became slightly
worse and was conveyed, still unconscious, to the cottage hospital at Mrs
Skinner's, Fairlie.
Press, 16 May 1911, Page 7
Mr Millichamp, florist, Ashburton, met with an accident last night, resulting in
a broken leg, through colliding with a motor car at Cave. He was on his way to
Fairlie, and was riding a motor cycle.
Hawera & Normanby Star, 11 December 1912, Page 5 TRAIN AND MOTOR CYCLE.
Timaru, Dec. 10, Another serious accident was added to the list against the
railway crossing on the main street connecting East and West Temuka, to-night.
A. Guild, son of Jas. Guild, a well-known farmer of Trevenna, was riding home on
a motor cycle, and was crossing the line when the 5.20 mixed train came up. The
cow-catcher caught the machine, and it flew through the air over the cattle
stops into the grass inside the fence, with the result that Guild sustained a
fractured shoulder blade, a broken hand, and severe bruises. He was picked up
and taken to the hospital in an unconscious condition.
Colonist, 11 December 1912, Page 5
Timaru, Dec. Another serious accident has been added to the list against the
railway crossing on Main street, connecting East and West Temuka, Mr A. Gould,
son of Mr. James Gould, a well-known farmer of the Trevenna riding was riding
home on a motor cycle.
Hawera & Normanby Star, 7 April 1913, Page 5 FATAL CYCLE ACCIDENT
Timaru, April 7. At the inquest into the death of Percy Dixon, who was employed
in the money order office, by a collision with a motor car when cycling, the
Coroner returned an open verdict. In view of possible further proceedings, C.
Besley the owner of the car was advised by counsel not to give evidence.
Hawera & Normanby Star, 13 June 1913, Page 5
Timaru, June 13. Vivian Coira, aged 21 years, a postal employee residing at
Temuka, was riding a motor cycle with a side-ear attached, in which E. Horgan
rode. They were crossing the railway line in Temuka when the first northward
express caught them and struck the hind wheel of the cycle. Both were thrown a
long way along the line. Horgan scrambled out of the way, with a bruised Knee,
but Coira had one leg cut off and the other leg and both arms broken. He died
shortly after his removal to a private hospital.
Grey River Argus 13 June 1913, Page 6
Timaru, June 12. Vivian Coira, aged 21 years, a postal employee at Temuka, was
riding a a motor cycle with a side-car, in which E. Horgan rode. They were
crossing the railway in Temuka when the first north going express caught them
and struck the hind wheel of the cycle. Both were thrown a long way along the
line. Horgan scrambled out of the way with a bruised knee. Deceased was a very
popular young man, and was the son of Mr. Peter Coira, long well-known as a
hotelkeeper, and, his death caused a great shock in Temuka. Coira's had both
legs were broken, and his skull fractured. Nearly every bone was broken. He was
flung against the post of a cattle-stop fence, and the post was shifted a foot.
He died on the way to the hospital.
Grey River Argus, 14 June 1913, Page 6
Timaru, June 13. At the inquest on P. V. B. Coira killed in the collision of a
motor cycle and a train yesterday, several witnesses testified that the
regulation warnings were given by the engine driver. The coroner and
deceased's friends considered it unnecessary to call the driver. Horgan, who was
riding behind deceased on the motor, said that they I were talking and laughing
together, and did not hear the whistles, or notice the train till the engine was
at the south cattle stops and they were close to the line. The Coroner concluded
that no one was to blame, and returned a verdict of accidental death.
Evening Post, 14 October 1913, Page 2
13th October. Two bad collisions between motorcycles and motor-cars occurred
yesterday and to-day on the same road, and not far from each other. On Sunday Mr
R. Berti, licensee of the Crown Hotel, Timaru, while motoring southwards with
his wife and niece and a driver, was met, near Otaio, by two motor cyclists from
Oamaru, named Dunlop and Davies, going at a great pace. The former, who was in
the lead, seemed to lose control of his machine, and ran into the bonnet of the
car. He was thrown through the wind screen, and landed in a heap on the back
seat between the two women. He sustained a severe wound in the forehead. Mr.
Berti turned back, and brought him to a private hospital in his car, which was
damaged. The cycle was crumpled up.
In the second accident, which happened at 2 o'clock this morning, near Makikihi,
Davies, who was Dunlop's mate on Sunday, was being motored back to Oamaru (he
was too unnerved to cycle back), when a motor cyclist, proceeding at great
speed, without a light, collided with the side of the car. The rider, Mulligan,
a hairdresser, of Oamaru, had his leg broken in two or three places, his right
arm lacerated, and also sustained concussion of the brain. The car turned, and
brought him to Timaru Hospital. He is still unconscious, and his condition is
precarious.
Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 14 October 1913, Page 2
MOTOR SMASH.
Waimate, October 13 There was a motor accident yesterday afternoon, near the
Otaio bridge, on the main road, thirty four miles south of St. Andrew's, a motor
car occupied by a driver (name unascertained) in the front seat and a couple of
ladies behind had crossed the bridge coming south. On taking a swerve at a
difficult place the driver and a motor cyclist coming in the opposite direction
at a great pace. The car was almost pulled up when the motor cycle struck it
full in the face of the hood, which was carried away. The cyclist himself went
through the windshield, broke the steering wheel, and was caught in the rear of
the car by the ladies. He was taken to the Timaru Hospital, where he was
identified as Peter Sullivan, tobacconist, in business at Oamaru. He is
suffering from concussion of the brain, a broken thigh and bruises, and his
condition is critical. Sullivan is a married man, and formerly belonged to
Christchurch.
Feilding Star, 1 July 1914, Page 4
A young man named Ryan was found on the main road last evening after lying
three-quarters of an hour in a sharp frost.. He was taken to the hospital,
suffering from shock and a broken ankle and cuts. He stated that he was riding
home on a motor cycle and came into collision with another motor cyclist. Both
were thrown, but the other rider re-mounted and rode away without stopping to
inquire if Ryan was hurt.
Evening Post, 16 February 1914, Page 8 MOTOR CYCLE FATALITY
CAUSED BY A COW ON THE ROAD. Waimate, This Day.
William George Foster, aged about 30, employed by John Kellahan, chaff cutter,
Kingsdown, was killed by a fall from a motor-cycle while passing Waimate
yesterday morning. No one saw the accident, but Foster was just conscious enough
to tell those first at the scene that he had run into a cow that was on the road
beyond a sharp bend. Deceased's father lives on the Ruapuna Settlement.
Colonist, 19 February 1914, Page 6
Waimate, Feb. 16. William G. Foster, aged thirty, of, Timaru, and employed by
John Kellahan, chaffcutter, Kingsdown, was yesterday killed in a motor cycle
accident. With others, he was riding from Timaru to Oamaru. Near Knottingly
Park, Waimate, he ran into a cow, and was found lying on the road, badly hurt,
by those coming behind, though no one saw the, accident. They took Foster to the
hospital, where it was found that his skull was fractured, and that he was
bleeding badly. The accident occurred about 11 a.m., and at 4 p.m. he succumbed
to his injuries.
Evening Post, 1 July 1914, Page 3
Timaru, 30th June. A young man named Ryan, the son of a farmer at Eskbank,
Otaio, was found on the Main South-road last evening about 6 o'clock, after
lying three-quarters of an hour in a sharp frost. He was brought to the hospital
suffering from shock and a broken ankle, and cuts. He stated that he was riding
home on his motor cycle and came into collision with another motor-cyclist. Both
were thrown, but the other rider remounted and rode away without stopping to
enquire if Ryan was hurt. Ryan did not know who it was.
Evening Post, 14 August 1914, Page 6
FATAL COLLISION - COLONEL HAYHURST KILLED.
Timaru, This Day. A shocking fatality occurred about 9.30 this morning, Colonel
Hayhurst and Mr. R. R. Martin (Temuka Leader) were motoring into Timaru, when on
reaching Washdyke they tried to dodge a boy on the road. A motor-cyclist, Pat
O'Connor, who was going out from Timaru, was also dodging. The result was a
frightful collision between the car and the motorcycle. The car was overturned
and Colonel Hayhurst was thrown out and killed instantly. Mr. Martin, who was
under the car, was severely injured. Mr. O'Connor was among the wreckage in, an
unconscious state.
MOTORS COLLIDE - TWO OTHERS BADLY INJURED
Timaru, Aug. 14.
A great shock was caused to the community by the death of Colonel Hayhurst,
Mayor of Temuka, in a car accident. The circumstances were particularly painful.
He was motoring into Timaru to see, off two of his sons to the war. Near
Washdyke he met a motor cyclist and a dog on the road caused both to leave their
right sides. The result was a collision, in the middle of the road. The car
jumped to the side of the road and capsized. Colonel Hayhurst was thrown on his
head and died in a few minutes. He had as a companion Mr. R. M. Martin (late
Reform organiser now editor of the Temuka Leader).
Mr. Martin was pinned beneath the car and the exact extent of the injuries are
not yet known. He was taken to Timaru Hospital. O'Connor is a well-known
cyclist, and agent for the International Harvester Co. He was considerably hurt
and was taken to his home in Timaru. Mrs. Hayhurst is in a private hospital in
Auckland after, an operation and was expected home, in a fortnight. A third son
is farming at Pareora. Col. Hayhurst was aged 54 years and was a native of South
Canterbury.
The late Colonel John Turnbull Murray Hayhurst, who was well known throughout the whole Canterbury district, was the only son of the late Mr. John Hayhurst, of Green Hayes, Temuka, and was born at sea on 16th November, 1860. After spending his early boyhood in Temuka he was sent to the Old Country in 1867, and returned two years later to New Zealand. He again went Home in 1875 to complete his education at the Leys School, Cambridge. Returning to New Zealand in 1878 he commenced farming at one of his father's properties, and in 1881 he married Miss Amelia Brown, only daughter of Mr. Job Brown, a well-known merchant and one of the pioneers of the district. His prominence as a landowner necessitated his taking an active part in nearly every scheme for the general good of the district, and in action to holding position on local bodies he assisted the volunteer movement by joining the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry in 1879. In 1884 he was selected to the command of the Temuka Rifles. While acting in this capacity he arranged for the erection of a large drill hall, then one of the best in the Dominion, and to his exertions was mainly due to the fact that it was opened practically free of debt. In addition to farming he interested himself in banking field commercial pursuits in the South Seas. In 1890 he gave up public and general business and thereafter contented himself with a retired life, except that in September, 1898 he accepted the command of the newly-formed South Canterbury Mounted Rifles. In January, 1900, he left Wellington as captain of the No. 2 Company of the New Zealand Second Contingent for service in South Africa, in the Boer war, and on 13th June returned invalided, and spent several weeks recuperating at the Rotorua baths. His property, Green Hayes, is one of the best known in Canterbury. The Green Hayes mansion is a substantial building in concrete, and his extensive farm comprises some of the beet land in the district. By a sad coincidence, the Death of Colonel Hayhurst, who was selected as the Reform candidate for the Temuka district, has occurred within a very short period after that of the late Mr. Kelly, of Napier, who was to have been the Government candidate for the district he resided.
Evening Post, 12 June 1907, Page 2
Callers at the London office of the New Zealand Government have included the
following during the recent week:
Lieut. -Colonel Hayhurst, Mrs. and Miss Hayhurst (Temuka), and Misses. H.
Hayhurst and C. L. Hayhurst, Miss Brown, Mr. E. Brown (Temuka),. and Miss G. A.
Brown.
Evening Post, 18 September 1914, Page 2
Word comes from Christchurch that Mr. R. R. Martin, formerly Reform Organiser,
but now proprietor of the Temuka, Leader, who was seriously injured in the motor
accident by which Colonel Hayhurst lost his life, has made such a good recovery
that he was able to leave the Timaru Hospital this week and return to his home
at Temuka.
Press, 2 September 1915, Page 8
September 1. Mr Wm. Turner, stock agent, was this evening found lying on the
road near Deep Crock, terribly burned. He was evidently returning from the
country when his motor-cycle caught fire. Mr W. A. Price, attracted by the fire,
made investigations, and found Mr Turner as stated. He was removed to the public
hospital in a taxi-cab, where he lies in a critical condition.
Timaru Herald, 26 October 1915, Page 7
The death occurred on Sunday night in Waimate of Mr R. Fyffe Grant, Guinness and
LeCren's Pleasant Point agent. It will be remembered that on the night of the
Kurow races Mr Grant while returning on a motor cycle (with side-chair) collided
with a motor-car, and sustained injuries including a scalp fracture. He leaves a
widow and one child.
Evening Post, 25 November 1915, Page 2
FATAL COLLISION MOTOR-CYCLIST KILLED
Timaru, 24th November. Hector Cox, local manager of Booth, M'Donald and Co.,
riding a motor-cycle, and J. W. Grant and A. MacKenzie (a run-holder), in a car,
met in a head-on collision in the dust raised by another car on the road to
Pleasant Point this afternoon. Cox's skull and arm were fractured, and he died
in hospital tonight. Grant's injuries are not properly known here. Cox came from
Palmerston North, and was very popular in business and on the cricket field. He
leaves a wife and six young children.
Evening Post, 21 December 1915, Page 6
SEQUEL TO MOTOR FATALITY CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER
Timaru, 20th December. At the Magistrate's Court to-day John William Grant, a
Mackenzie Country run-holder, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial
on a charge of manslaughter, in that he caused the death of Walter P. Cox, on
24th .November, by a collision between the accused's motor-car and deceased's
motor-cycle. Evidence was given that accused was following another car (both
going at a fast pace, said to be 40 to 50 miles an hour), was on the wrong side
of the road, and could not see ahead for the dust from the first car. Bail was
allowed in £200 and self in £200.
Ashburton Guardian, 27 December 1915, Page 8
While Mr and Mrs Brehaut, from Timaru, and two children, were travelling
through' Winslow on a motor-cycle and side-car on Sunday evening, the machine
skidded and the two occupants were thrown heavily on the road. Mr Brehaut and
the children escaped with a few minor bruises, but Mrs Brehaut was severely cut,
and bruised and was suffering considerably from shock. She was taken to the
Ashburton Hospital, and is now progressing favourably.
Grey River Argus, 10 February 1916, Page 3 CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER
SEQUEL TO A MOTOR CAR ACCIDENT. ACCUSED ACQUITTED.
Timaru, February 9. The Supreme Court was occupied all day on a charge of
manslaughter against James William Grant, runholder, Mackenzie Country, of
causing the death of Hector W. P. Cox, machinery agent, by negligent driving of
a motor ear, causing a collision with the motor cycle ridden by deceased. The
evidence for prosecution indicated that two cars were travelling along a dusty
road at an excessive pace, accused being in the second car, and in the dust
raised by the first, and that he turned off the middle of the road to the right
hand side, and almost immediately ran into a cyclist. - Accused claimed that his
speed was usual on that road, and not unreasonable; that he was on the middle of
the road and did not turn off till after the collision, and the swerve capsized
the car. He did not see the cyclist, for just before the meeting a puff of wind
raised a cloud of dust, and hid all in front. The jury were out the full four
hours and just at the limit agreed on a verdict of not guilty. It is understood
that Mr Grant has made provision for the widow and family.
Timaru Herald, 1 April 1916, Page 7 A DOUBLE ACCIDENT.
Mr Jas. Leckie, ranger to the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, had a
run of very had luck on Thursday night. While riding home on his motor cycle
from Winchester show, Temuka, about 7 p.m., he and a motorist in a car came into
collision. Mr Leckie was hurled to the ground and rendered unconscious, but the
car proceeded without stopping. Mr D. Cowan and Mr W Gracie, of Timaru, passing
along the road a little later noticed the overturned cycle, and, and stopping
they found Mr Leckie lying on the road in a dazed condition, and badly bruised
and scratched. The motor cycle had one tyre off. They assisted the injured man
to repair his cycle and saw him safely off. Shortly after, when Mr Leckie was
turning the corner into the North Belt at Temuka, he collided with a horse and
trap as reported yesterday. Mr Leckie was improving yesterday and had regained
consciousness.
Press, 16 May 1916, Page 8
At Timaru on Saturday, Mr C. J. Mahan, stock-buyer for Borthwick and Sons, Ltd.,
met with a serious accident. He was riding a motor-cycle over the intersection
of Wilson street and Church street west, when he came into violent collision
with a bus which was also crossing the intersection. Mr Mahan was thrown heavily
from his machine; suffering a broken arm and his lower jaw was broken in two
places. He was also considerably bruised and cut the body. He was removed to a
private hospital, and it will be a considerable time before he will be able to
get about again. Mr Mahan is a member of the Waimataitai School Committee, and
was recently elected Master of the Timaru Masonic Lodge No. 196.
Timaru Herald, 10 April 1917, Page 7
A chapter of accidents was reported from Temuka last evening. A man named Joseph
Riddock, employed by Mr C. Austin, Winchester, while riding a
motor bicycle collided with a car driven by Mr.
B. Martin of Temuka, near the northern boundary of Temuka Borough, and was badly
injured, his left leg being smashed at the thigh, and lower leg broken in two
places, one of these also a compound fracture. He was sent in to the Timaru
hospital. The motor cycle was smashed and the car considerably damaged.
George Taylor, a returned soldier, while riding a motor cycle at McLeod's
corner, Riverslea, collided with a car, and had one arm slightly cut.
Two traps belonging to Geraldine residents collided opposite the Temuka hotel
and both were over-turned. Mr J. Paterson, thrown from one of then, was somewhat
hurt and was taken home in a car. Mr and Mrs Walters, who were in the other
vehicle, escaped with a severe shaking.
Timaru Herald, 6 June 1918, Page 3 SOLDIER'S UNTIMELY DEATH.
ACCIDENT ON PAREORA ROAD. An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the
death of James Kingsley Mcintosh, a returned soldier aged 23 years, who was
found unconscious on the Pareora road on afternoon of May 24 and who died at
the Timaru Hospital on June 3, was held in the Timaru Courthouse yesterday
before Mr V. G. Pay, S.M., Coroner. Dr Cuthbert, of the Timaru Hospital, said
that on May 24 deceased was taken to the Hospital in an unconscious state, with
symptoms of a fractured base of the skull, he partially regained consciousness
on two or three occasions, and recognised his father. He remained in that
condition till his death on June 1. Dr Ussher said that he had found that the
only external mark of violence were abrasions of the forehead. The meninges
showed signs of septic meningitis. The under surface of the brain on the side
was much lacerated. There was a corresponding injury on the opposite side. The
base, of the skull showed a very extensive fracture extending from the left to
the right side of the head. A small piece of brain tissue was caught in the
fracture. The heart showed marked disease of the aorta valve. It is thought that
death was due to septic meningitis following on a fractured skull. John Mcintosh,
father of deceased. James McMeckin, salesman, said he saw deceased lying in the
middle of the road and a motor cycle lying on one of his legs. He was
unconscious, and was bleeding from the nose and mouth.
Timaru Herald, 5 June 1918, Page 6
THE Friends of the late JAMES KINGSLEY McINTOSH (and late of the 3rd
Reinforcements) are respectfully informed that his funeral will leave his
parents' residence, 37 Matilda Street (off Church Street), on THURSDAY, June
6th, at 2.30 p.m. for the Timaru Cemetery, via Church Street. W. J. LISTER. [His
brother Rifleman was killed in action in France 29th March 1918. Aged 24 years.]
Wairarapa Daily Times, 31 July 1918, Page 5 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.
Timaru, Tuesday. The Supreme Court session opened to-day. There were no criminal
cases, but two civil claims for damages for personal injury. It being Mr Justice
Herdman's first visit, he was welcomed by the Bar and congratulated on his
elevation. One case occupied all day. Plaintiff, a young man, sued for £700
damages. He was riding a motor cycle on a country road in September, 1916, and
ran into a horse and gig which defendant had left on the roadside unattended and
unlighted. Plaintiff sustained serious and permanent injury and is still under
treatment; £200 of the claim is for medical attendance. The jury awarded
hospital costs of £350. The case to-morrow is a claim by a passenger for
injuries through a car accident.
Auckland Star, 7 April 1925, Page 13
PILLION RIDING BY-LAW UPSET. Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., upset a portion of another
of the Timaru Borough Council's by-laws last week, that relating to
pillion-riding, when he declared that the by-law, in so far as it prohibited
pillion-riding on a motor cycle where there was a side-car attached, was
unreasonable. Mr. L. E. Finch, who appeared for the Borough Council, stated that
the Council did not consider it unreasonable if the motor cycle had a side car
and pillion seat, but if there was no pillion seat and only a side-car, then it
was not safe. They did not desire the bylaw upset completely, for if that was
so, then motorists would carry passengers solo. Mr. Campbell admitted the facts,
but asked the Court to hold that a vehicle with a side-car and pillion seat was
a safe vehicle. The by-law was an absolute prohibition of all pillion-riding.
Defendant was a resident of Temuka, and there was no prohibition of such
practice m that town or immediate districts. He intended to call a volume of
evidence to show that such practice was safe. It was really a motor car for the
small family. He would be satisfied if the Court would hold travelling on a
pillion seat when a side-car was attached to the cycle as reasonable. At this
stage his Worship tested the seat, riding pillion fashion round a block of
streets. The witness, who had twelve years' experience with motor cycles said
that a pillion seat would not affect the cycle in any way but help to hold the
cycle on the road. His Worship did not agree with this view, stating in the
short ride he had had his position unsafe. His Worship said he was faced with a
difficulty, but he was satisfied that a motor cycle with a side car and a
properly constructed pillion could not be objected too. He was satisfied
further, that the pillion on defendent's cycle was dangerous to a young child,
and was very dangerous to a heavy person. On the other hand it might be safe for
a boy who was holding on. If the seat was an example of the ability of engineers
in England then it was a poor best. His worship held that the bylaw in so far as
it condemned pillion riding where there was a side car attached, was
unreasonable, and therefore ulta vires.
Auckland Star, 12 November 1929, Page 9
Timaru, Monday. Thomas Rooney, of Kingsdown, died as the result of injuries
received in an accident on the main South Road in the early hours of Sunday
morning. Mr. Rooney, who was riding a motor cycle with side-car attached, was
going south when the side-car struck a bicycle which was being wheeled up the
grade by Mr. Henry Holmes, of Normanby. The impact capsized the motor cycle, and
Mr. Rooney was thrown heavily on to the bitumen road. He received severe head
injuries, and failed to regain consciousness.
Auckland Star, 18 October 1930, Page 12 BANK CLERK'S DEATH.
GIRL SLIGHTLY INJURED. Timaru, Friday. Harry K. Anderton, a young clerk employed
by the Bank of New South Wales, Geraldine, was, killed at Winchester, 15 miles
north of Timaru, tonight. He was riding a motor cycle Timaru with Francie Hazel
Smith on the pillion, when he collided with a car driven by Mr. J. Connolly, of
Seadown, at Langford's Corner, which is a dangerous spot. Mr. Anderton was
picked up unconscious and brought to the Timaru Hospital, where he died at nine
o'clock. The girl was not seriously injured.
Another motor cycle accident occurred in Evans Street, Timaru, at six o'clock
to-night. A young man named Watson, a resident of Morven, was thrown from his
motor cycle, receiving a fractured skull. He was taken to the hospital in a
serious condition.
Auckland Star, 9 February 1931, Page 13
Timaru, Sunday. Through being knocked down by a motor cyclist yesterday, Miss
Agnes Brown, aged 67, was admitted to the Timaru Hospital suffering from a
fracture of the skull. She died a hour later.
Auckland Star, 26 September 1932, Page 3 MOTOR CYCLIST KILLED.
MISHAP AT BEND IN ROAD. Timaru, this day. A fatal accident occurred at Hilton
this morning, when A. Heenan, aged 21, of Rathmore Street, Timaru, while riding
a motor cycle, collided with a lorry belonging to the Caroline Bay Dairy Company
at a bend in the road. Heenan suffered fatal injuries, and died almost
immediately.
Auckland Star, 13 December 1932, Page 5
CYCLIST KILLED. COLLISION WITH A LORRY. MACHINE CATCHES FIRE.
Timaru, this day. As the result of a collision in Evans street late last night
between a motor cyclist and a lorry, the rider of the cycle, Frank Alexander
Hall, aged 21, of Timaru, lost his life. No one witnessed the accident. The
cycle took fire and Hull's clothes became a light, whilst the contents of the
lorry also suffered. The blaze was extinguished by the fire brigade.
Auckland Star, 5 March 1934, Page 5 Thrown on head.
Wellington, Sunday. Severe head injuries were received by Mr Leslie McCallum,
single, aged SJ, when he fell from his motor cycle on Saturday afternoon. The
accident occurred at Oriental Bay; the machine skidding on the road. Mr McCallum
was admitted to the hospital. His condition is reported be serious. He is a
returned soldier, and is employed in the Government Life Insurance Office. His
parents well-known residents of Temuka.
Auckland Star, 14 April 1936, Page 8
Oamaru, this day. A collision at 5.30 p.m. yesterday, on the North Main Road,
between a car, driven by Mr. Alan Clark, of Maheno, and a motor cycle, ridden by
Mr. John McNair, of Timaru, resulted in McNair receiving serious internal and
head injuries. He was admitted to hospital. His condition is critical.
Auckland Star, 22 March 1938, Page 8 DOUBLE FATALITY.
CAR AND CYCLE COLLIDE. RIDER'S DEATH IN HOSPITAL. Timaru, this day. Mr. George,
Keane, aged 19, of Woodbury, who was the rider of a motor cycle which collided
with a car driven by Mr. B. Simmons on the Tengawai Road, Pleasant Point, early
on Friday morning, died this morning in the Timaru Hospital. This is the second
fatality due to the accident, as Mr. James Bell, aged 19, of Pleasant Point, who
was riding on the pillion, was killed instantaneously.
Auckland Star, 5 May 1938, Page 26 TWO DAYS' HEARING.
JURY ACQUITS DRIVER Timaru, Wednesday. After a hearing lasting for two days a
jury to-night returned a verdict of not guilty on both counts in the case
against Bernard James Simmons, aged 22, who was charged with negligently driving
a car at Pleasant Point on March 18, therein causing the death of James Samuel
Bell and causing bodily injury to George Thomas Keen. Keen also died from
injuries some days after the accident, which occurred in the early hours of the
morning after a dance. Hell and Keen were on a motor cycle and came into
collision with a car on a dead straight road.
Auckland Star, 7 May 1938, Page 23 VERDICT SET ASIDE.
MOTOR CYCLIST'S NEGLECT. Timaru, Friday. Although a jury in the Supreme Court in
Timaru yesterday gave judgment for £200 special and £150 general damages in a
case in which Robert Scott McMillan, farmer, of Timaru, proceeded against Albert
Percival Greenfield, company manager, of Dunedin, Mr. Justice Northcroft to-day
set aside the verdict and gave judgment for the defendant. The case arose out of
an accident two years ago. Plaintiff was riding a motor cycle and crashed into
the rear of defendant's car, which was parked in the vicinity of the golf
links. Plaintiff, claimed, that defendant had been negligent in parking his
car so that it protruded out beyond another car. Counsel for defendant moved for
a nonsuit or for judgment, and his Honor held that plaintiff on his own case
disclosed negligence, and gave judgment for defendant.
Grey River Argus, 29 April 1908, Page 4
DUNEDIN TO CHRISTCHURCH. MOTOR-CYCLE BEATS EXPRESS.
On Thursday Mr S. Stedman undertook to break the motor-cycle record of thirteen
hours held by himself, from Dunedin to Christchurch, and succeeded in reducing
the time by three hours eleven minutes. Mr Stedman rode a 1908 model 3.½
h.p Triumph cycle, the first of its kind in New Zealand, and yesterday a
reporter had a chat and learned something of the journey; Mr Stedman left
Dunedin at 6.15 a.m., and for the first fifteen miles found the roads wet and
greasy, being unable to get much pace on. Oamaru (seventy-eight miles) was
reached just on nine o'clock. On the Karoigi (?) beach the cyclist hit a dog,
the accident misplacing the contact breaker and causing some delay. Mr Stedman
left Palmerston sometime after the morning train. The train was still ahead of
him at Wainakaroa, but he managed to get over the crossing before it. There was
a delay at Oamaru while petrol was procured, and Mr Stedman left there at 9.7,
reaching Timaru at 11 a.m. On the road he passed fifteen flocks of sheep and a
mob of cattle, which caused further delay. The train from Oamaru was ahead of
him at Makikihi, but he got past it at the next station, though, he added, "I
had to shake her up to beat it." A "quick lunch" was taken at Timaru, and the
record-breaker set out for Ashburton. About a mile out of Timaru the
sparking-plug blew out, and ten minutes were lost while a new plug was fitted.
The run through Temuka and Geraldine was excellent, but about five miles from
Hinds an accident occurred. Mr Stedman was wheeling off the road to a small
bridge over a water race, when the rear wheel struck a piece of wood and the
machine was thrown over. "I came down a smasher," said Mr Stedman, "and things
looked black for a moment. I the game was up." The-engine was still running,
though, and the cyclist saw that his chance was not gone. The accident was
serious enough, however, for a pedal and crank were bent, the foot-rest was
twisted, and the foot brake was thrown out of action. The handlebars were also
twisted, and temporary repairs used another loss of time. Mr Stedman
was clothed
in leather, and he attributes his comparative safety to that fact. "My knee was
barked and I had a bit of a twist." he said smilingly, but he remounted and
proceeded. The Hinds river was dry and he went across the shingle, which was
very rough. The rest of the run was good, and Ashburton was reached at 1.35 p.m.
The machine being there repaired another quarter of an hour was lost. On leaving
Ashburton a head wind was encountered and lasted until the city was reached. Mr
Stedman counted forty-six water-races between Ashburton and Christchurch, and
came on many of them unawares. The motor was always fit for the road after
splashing through them, and behaved splendidly all the way. The Selwyn riverbed
pulled the belt-fastener out, and a new one was fitted, and Mr Steadman reached
town at 4.4 p.m. a total inclusive time of 9 hours 49 minutes for the 265 miles.
The actual running time was 8 hours 57 minutes, and the express, which takes
nine hours, was easily beaten, while the previous record of thirteen hours
lowered considerably. Mr Stedman arrived in Christchurch without being fatigued,
and speaks in high terms of his machine.
.
Wanganui Herald, 4 October 1909, Page 6
With the idea of finding out the actual running cost per mile of the imperial
Triumph motor- cycle, Messrs Adams, Ltd.,, sent out circulars to eighteen riders
of their motor cycles. To arrive at an accurate running expense no machine was
selected that had not covered a greater distance than 3000 miles. The running
expense includes all expenditure under the following heads: Tyres, belts,
petrol, lubricating oil, and mechanical repairs, repairs caused accident being
included in the total cost. As is only to be expected with such mileage totals
as shown below, a considerable number of accidents have happened, which, add
considerably to the running cost. In dealing with the individual performances of
each rider and motor, Mr K. J. Cook, Canterbury Meat Company, holds pride of
place for total mileage, having travelled 13,960 miles, at a total cost of £26
8s 3d, which works out at 29.64 per mile (less than per mile). Mr A. S. Palmer,
the well-known wool buyer, came next with 8796 miles, at a cost of £12 14s 8d,
which works out at 11.32 pence per mile.
George Webster, manager, Nicoll Bros., Timaru, miles 7500, cost £24 3s 7d, rate
49.64 d.
George Wood, stock agent, C.F.A., Waimate, miles 7200, cost £7 6s 6'd, ratio
¼d.
George Dyer, stock agent, C.F.A., Waimate, miles 7200, cost £8 17s 6d, rate
19-64d.
George Ashe, veterinary surgeon, miles 7030, cost £10 5s 6d, rate 22-64 d.
Dr. C. A. Paterson, Pleasant Point, miles 5950, cost £8 0s 6d, rate 21-64 d.
D. G. Cain, stock agent, Rangitata, miles 5800, cost £10 7s 6d, rate 28-64 d.
George Broadhead, jeweller, Geraldine, miles 5000, cost £5 7s 6d, rate £d.
D. T. Fraser, stock agent, C.F.A., Pleasant Point, miles 4600, cost £10 19s l0d,
rate 36.54 d.
W. Hall, contractor, Timaru, miles 4500, cost £9 4s 9d, rate 31.64 d.
J. C. Rolleston, sheep farmer, Rangitata, miles 4175, cost £5 16s 2d, rate 21.64
d.
E. P. V. Sealy, Timaru, miles 3842, cost £7 3s 1d, rate 34.64 d.
J. E. Piggott, sheep farmer, Sutherlands, miles 3527, cost £4 15s 8d, rate
21-64d.
H. C. Thompson, machinery department, National Mortgage, Timaru, miles 3500,
cost £3 19s, rate 17-64.
C. E. Hassell, Timaru, miles 3080, cost £8 1s rate 44-64 d.
L. Woods, stock agent, C.F.A., Temuka, miles 3080, cost £8 1s 24, rate 17-64 d.
Total mileage 107,105, total cost £182 10s 5d, total average rate 26.64d
considerably less than - ½d per mile. The returns
sent in by some of the riders were accompanied by a few remarks :-
Mr A. S. Palmer, states: "My Triumph motor- cycle has saved me £3 a week, this
being the amount that I used to spend on my pair of ponies and trap, which I do
not use now."
Mr R. J. Cook says: "In my long rides of 13,960 miles, I have not had one single
mechanical stop, and have ever failed to keep an appointment this stock season.
Mr C. E. Hassall considers the Triumph motor a splendid machine for the
sportsman, and the comfort in riding adds to the pleasure of the sport of
fishing.
Mr D. T. Fraser's remarks are worth paying attention to. He states: ''When the
company purchased the motor I had never ridden even an ordinary push bicycle.
This difficulty had to be overcome, and there is no doubt that my running
expense would have been less had I known how to ride the ordinary cycle."
Mr. H. C. Thompson, states: "Having purchased a second-hand motor cycle Triumph,
which had been running to the extent of 18 months before I bought same, I feel
that this is a wonderful record, as I have never had a stop or even a nut lost,
the cost for 3500 miles being 5s, which was spent on a second-hand belt, the
petrol and oil being the only cost for running. As I get about the country a
great deal, I must say these motors make it so easy, as one can get home and
also to the office before the next day's run." The C.F.C.A., Waimate, state in
their report that Mr Wood's mechanical repairs amount to 6s, and Mr Dyer's to £1
17s.
Mr J.E. Piggott, Sutherland, who purchased his motor on May 27th, 1908, states
that his mechanical repairs amount to 2s 6d.
Dr. C. A. Paterson, Pleasant Point, notes that he is still running on the
original tyres.
In noting the total mileage, the distance run is equal to over four times round
the world, at a total cost of £182 10s 9d. It can be truly stated, that this is
travelling at special excursion rates.
Timaru Herald, 10 July 1909, Page 6
A man on a motor cycle had a nasty spill yesterday at the intersection of George
and Latter streets through coming into collision, while going at a smart pace,
with an express. The rider described a graceful parabola through the atmosphere
and landed on his back in the mud, but luckily the only serious damage that
occurred was to the cycle, which had to be wheeled away.
Auckland Star, 27 May 1929, Page 8 Obituary - Mr. F. N. ADAMS.
One of New Zealand's best-known figures in the motoring world, Mr. Frederick
Nelson Adams, founder of the firm of Adams, Ltd., motor traders, died in
Christchurch last week. Mr. Adams came to New Zealand from England when a lad
and had carried on business in Christchurch for 40 years. In the early days he
had a small workshop where he made and sold bicycles. Two or three years later,
under the name of Adams and Curtis, bicycles were imported. It was in 1906 that
Mr. Adams went into 'the motor business, his agencies in those days including
the Minerva, Swift, Talbot, Humber and the Triumph motor bike. In 1912 the name
of the firm was changed to Adams, Limited. When, in 1914, Mr. Adams found that
he could not get English cars to sell, he took over the Studebaker agency, and
from that time onwards the firm grew with great rapidity, until to-day it is one
of the best-known concerns in New Zealand's motoring world, having branches in
Auckland, Wellington, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru (Stafford St.) and
Dunedin, with headquarters at Christchurch. Mr. Adams was a man who all his life
placed business first and foremost. Public life, although it appealed to him,
was sacrificed for business. He was a single man, and is survived by five
brothers and two sisters.
Indian on "Ribbonwood" in 1947.
Container to the
right reads Caltex, N.Z. The bike is an Indian 1941 741b commonly referred to as
an 'Army Indian' here in NZ. There were about 5000 of these sold off in NZ after
the war as surplus, reported for as little as 50 pound still in the crate, and
by far are the most common Indian in NZ then and probably still now. 500cc
(30.50") engine size. Various discussions on the model year but basically they
were either 1941 or 1942 and unchanged during the war years. Based on a 600cc
Scout engine, detuned for military use to help make them a bit more reliable.
They also had slightly longer forks and frame dimensions to help with the ground
clearance - again for military use over rough ground. Fairly easy to identify by
the twin tail lights showing as these are the common blackout lights used on
that model. link
This
bike was sold for 45 pounds.