THE FATAL ACCIDENTS AT OTAKI.
In last issue we were able to announce little more than the bare fact that two fatal accidents had occurred after the Otaki races. We are able now to lay further particulars before our readers.
The first case is that of a man named Charles Mudgway. It appears that he was riding at a hard gallop round the course, and was met by four ladies on horseback, viz, two of the Misses McDonald, of Horowhenua, Miss Jenkins, of Otaki, and Miss Cameron, who was on a visit to Mr Jenkins, to whom she is related. Mudgway was riding along "full tear," whilst the ladies were going along at a sharp canter. The former, being unable to guide his horse past the ladies, struck Miss Jenkins on the leg, and glanced off, meeting Miss Cameron, both horses and riders striking violently. Miss Cameron and Mudgway both fell to the ground, and the former dropping on his head, a concussion of the brain ensued from which he died in a short time. Miss Cameron was badly bruised, and was compelled to take to her bed at once, but we hear is now improving rapidly. Mudgway was until lately a resident of the Hutt. He was a stout man, 35 years of age. He was a widower, having some time since lost his wife, and by his death five children, all boys, are orphaned.
Source: Manawatu Herald, 27 January 1880, Page 2.
INQUESTS AT OTAKI.
An inquest was held at Otaki on the 23rd inst., before Dr Hewson, coroner, on the body of Charles Mudgway, who was killed on the day previous.
The following jury were impanelled - Messrs Bennett (foreman), Eager, Bevan, McCrae, Bills, Pearson, Winterburn, Johnson, Larsen, Anderson, McDonald, and Mackay.
Miss Jenkins deposed that after the races she was riding round the course in company with Misses Cameron and McDonald, when she observed two wen coming from the opposite direction; passed the first, but the second, who was riding at full speed, was unable to guide his horse, and, although she tried to get her horse out of the way, knocked her aside; and glancing off, struck Miss Cameron's horse full in the counter; the force of the concussion knocked both horses down : deceased was thrown on his head, while Miss Cameron fell between the horses; the crowd then came up.
This was the principal witness, and her evidence was corroborated by Misses Cameron and McDonald.
George Bell stated that after the accident he picked up the deceased, who was lying with his head bent under his body; deceased never moved nor spoke.
The Coroner informed the jury that he had made a post-mortem examination, and found that the cause of death was concussion of the brain.
The jury retuned a verdict of "Accidental death."
The deceased was a native of the district of Wellington. His friends reside at Porirua, and he was generally liked for his quiet, unassuming manners. He leaves five sons. A ball was held on Friday night, the proceeds of which - some £7 or £8 - are to be handed over for their benefit.
Miss Cameron was insensible for some time, and was severely shaken and bruised about the face.
Source: Manawatu Herald, 27 January 1880, Page 2.
Chris Korte's New Zealand Genealogy Project
1845 - 1880 (35 years)
Has 2 ancestors and one descendant in this family tree.
[1] 
: Address
: Location
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: County/Shire
: State/Province
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: Not Set
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