LORRY OUT OF CONTROL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 250, 20 September 1929, Page 2

LORRY OUT OF CONTROL.

DEFECTIVE STEERING GEAR,

EXCITEMENT ON MOUNT EDEN ROAD. (By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 19. A light motor lorry developed a defect in its steering mechanism on the Mount Eden Road to-day, and a pedestrian experienced a few moments of excitement in dodging the vehicle before it capsized against a pole at the kerbside. In falling the lorry grazed ing pedestrian and lie escaped being crushed by inches, his hat being swept from his head and pinned to the ground. The lorry was driven by F. Ryan. Near a corner the steering gear failed to answer. Although . the speed was quite moderate, the vehicle was making its own path, and the driver had no time to jump clear or apply the brakes. He shouted to warn the pedestrian, Mr H. Glover, who turned to find the lorrybearing down upon him. Mr Glover dashed for the footpath and the lorry struck the kerb and turned over alongside the pole just as the fugitive gained the footpath. The driver was imprisoned between the pole and the canopy, but he sustained only a slight cut on the face.

The damaged vehicle had to be dragged back before Ryan was released, aud it was fortunate that no fire occurred, as the petrol flowed freely among the debris. “It was the closest shave I have ever had,” said Mr Glover, exhibiting his retrieved hat and reflectively regarding the gash in the brim. “I heard the driver call: ‘Look out,’ and if the lorry had been travelling fast it would have beaten me to the footpath.”