Croquet ladies hurt in a car mishap on the way home

H*eading: FELL FROM CAR FLASH FROM SHORT CIRCUIT.*

*Newspaper: The Dalby Herald*

*Date: Friday 13 October 1939, page 3*

*Found on: [Trove](https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article216786408), National Library of Australia*

An unfortunate accident occurred during the homeward journey made by a party of ladies from the Dalby Croquet Club after they had had a successful day in Toowoomba on Tuesday.

They were travelling along the Bowenville-Dalby road, and when about eight miles from town the chain attached to the ignition key, swung up, and touched the wire running to the ammeter. A flash followed the resulting short-circuit in the electrical system.

The car is owned by Mr. W. H. Coulson, of Condamine street, Dalby, and was driven by Mrs. E. J. Starling, New street. Others in the car were Mesdames S. M. Jack, V. Irvine, L. Wilson, W. H. Coulson, and A. White.

The short circuit was only temporary, but because of the flash the driver thought it advisable to stop the vehicle. Apparently thinking the flash was an indication of a more serious fire, Mrs. White opened the rear door of the car, and endeavoured to leave the vehicle as it was stopping. The car was going slowly at the time, but she tripped on a rug on the floor of the car, and suffered a nasty fall.

Seeing the car stopped on the roadside, a passing motorist drew up to enquire if any help was required. He brought Mrs. White and two of her companions into Dalby, where it was found that Mrs. White had fractured her left arm. She sought medical attention, and was admitted to the Hospital. She had recovered sufficiently to be allowed to leave for her home yesterday afternoon.

The owner of the car was acquainted of the incident, and with a mechanic he proceeded to the scene. They found that no damage had been caused to the car, and were able to drive it back to town.

The article as it was printed in The Dalby Herald, 13 October 1939. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)