A FATAL ACCIDENT.
DEATH OF MRS A. MORTLEMAN
The death occurred last evening of Mrs Mortleman, wife of Mr A. Mortleman, of Makauri, as the result of injuries received on Saturday, when she met with a trap accident on the- main road, near her own home.
Mrs Mortleman was driving home with her ten-year-old daughter, shortly after 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, and when about fifteen chains on the Gisborne side of the King's road corner, the horse, usually a quiet one, apparently was startled suddenly by something moving near the big hedge, and it ran off the road into a large scoop-drain on the right-hand side. The vehicle was a four-wheeled one, and owing to the wheels from one side running up against the fence, the buggy capsized. There was a general mix-up, and the horse, which also fell over, kicked itself free of the harness, excepting for the winkers and reins. Mrs Mortleman got up, still holding on to the reins at the extreme end, but apparently being exhausted, she let go. The shafts of the trap were broken. Mrs Mortleman appeared to be suffering severely, and Mr T. Alston Coleman, who witnessed the accident from the road leading from Bushmere, drove up in his motor car. He found that Mrs Mortleman was slightly dazed, and got no distinct reply to a question as to whether the lady was hurt. Mrs Mortleman was evidently suffering from shock, and had an abrasion on her forehead, while the little girl also had a bruise on her forehead. Mrs Mortleman appeared to be injured internally, and had severe attacks of retching. Mr Coleman telephoned for Dr. Williams, and drove Mrs Mortleman home in his car.
Yesterday the condition of the unfortunate lady became worse, and she was brought in to a private hospital, but despite all that medical skill and attention could do, the patient passed away early in the evening.
The deceased lady was 47 years of age, and was highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends, who will join in expressing their sympathy with Mr Mortleman and his family. The funeral will leave Mr Mortleman's residence, at Makauri, to-morrow afternoon.
An inquest is not considered necessary.
Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 6 April 1914, Page 3.