MINTARO, July 23.—Quite a cloud was cast over the township this morning when it became known that Mr. John Garrard, who had been laid aside for about three weeks had passed away. The deceased was a fine specimen of that rugged character which has done so much towards the development of the farming districts of the State.—About 11 o’clock last night Mr. Stanley MacNamara started for Clare to obtain medical assistance for a resident who was sinking. After a 12-mile gallop at night through heavy rain and swollen water-courses, he had reached the bridge near Bentley’s Hotel, when a cyclist rode under his horse’s feet. In the darkness neither rider had seen the other, for the cyclist had no light. The frightened horse reared, swung round, and cannoned into a low guard fence next to the bridge, jamming the rider’s leg against the toprail. The impetus of the animal’s plunge caused it to lose its equilibrium, and horse and rider fell over the fence. The unfortunate man was pinned to the ground, which luckily was sodden and soft, while the horse fell on its back on his chest and rolled off, forcing his head into the mud. Bleeding from mouth and nose, and unable to speak he saw the cyclist pick up his machine and carry it off on his shoulder. After lying for a considerable time in the rain Mr. MacNamara was able to get up, but still a farther period elapsed before he was able to walk. There being no gate he had to jump the horse over the fence to reach the road. Before leaving for Mintaro the doctor attended to his injuries. It is certain that the one thing which saved the rider’s life was the saturated state of the ground where the accident occurred. Steps are being taken to discover the inhuman cyclist who made off without any attempt to render assistance.
