A shocking accident occurred on Saturday night near Sanders’ Lodge, between Wellingborough and Rushden, Harry Woodward, aged 66, pedlar, whose relatives live at Ford-street, Kettering, receiving injuries which terminated fatally on Wednesday.

An Inquest

was held at the Wellingborough Workhouse yesterday by Mr. J. T. Parker.

Ambrose Woodward, 13, Ford-street, Kettering, son of deceased, said his father, a shoe laster, had been peddling during the last month. Witness had seen deceased the worse for drink, but not lately. Deceased had led an on and off sort of life as regards work.

William Tite, Great Park-street, Wellingborough, clicker, at present an orderly at Higham V.A.D. Hospital, stated that on Saturday he was cycling from Wellingborough to Higham. About 10.10 p.m. he was on the Higham side of the railway bridge. He passed a man walking in a staggering manner, and called out “Rough night, dad,” and the man replied in a muddled sort of way, “All right.” A little farther on witness saw a cyclist going along. He was about 70 or 80 yards from the man witness met walking. Witness heard a cry for help. He went back and saw the man lying down on the road and a cyclist just getting up. The latter had fallen on the grass on the side of the road. The man was unconscious, and the cyclist had hurt his knuckles.

Albert Pywell, of 10, Avenue-road, employed by Messrs. Horsley, Higham Ferrers, said that on Saturday night he was cycling from Higham to Wellingborough. He met deceased walking towards him on the same side of the road. Witness rang his bell and shouted. When deceased got level with witness deceased staggered in front of him. Witness tried to avoid him by turning towards the grass. They collided and witness fell on the side of the road on his head.

P.C. Powell, Higham Ferrers, said he was called to the scene and saw deceased and Pywell, who explained how the accident happened. Witness took deceased to Rushden Police Station.

Insp. Osborne said deceased was brought to Rushden Police Station and appeared very Ill. Dr. Baker said deceased was too ill to be moved then. On Sunday morning he was taken to Wellingborough Workhouse. Dr. Baker said it was an almost hopeless case.

Dr. Hollis said the base of the skull was fractured.

Verdict: “Accidental death.”