VERDICT OF THE JURY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 259, 28 October 1897, Page 7

VERDICT OF THE JURY.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.

The inquiry concluded on October Bth, having lasted five days. The jury retired to consider their verdict at a quarter before two o'clock', and after deliberating an hour and three-quarters returned a verdict—That on the night of October Ist, 1897, a collision occurred at the railway crossing indicated on the plan by the 10.20 train leaving Auckland for Onehunga and the 'bus driven by Wm. Stockwell Ness, of the Tramway Company. That considering the short distance and the obstruction the driver of- the 'bus had to contend with he had not time to pull up to prevent the accident, and we therefore exonerate him from all blame. Re the railway employees concerned, we consider the examined witnesses competent

and to have faithfully performed their duties on the night of the accident. We therefore exonerate them from blame. The following rider was added:—"That in the opinion of this jury, we consider special precautions should be taken on such occasions to regulate the traffic; (2) that folding gates should be attached and closed three minutes before the passing of any train on above occasions ; (3) also that engine drivers should be compelled to go at a slow speed on such crossings ; (4) if the trees about the crossing were removed, it would enable drivers of vehicles to see the train coming.—On behalf of jury, J. BURTON (foreman)."

A formal verdict of "Accidental death" was then drawn up and signed by the juryBefore declaring the Court closed the Coroner said : "I would indeed be remiss if I did not thank Sergeant Ellison for the able manner in which he lias carried out his duty in connection with this case, and ' I might say that it affords me much pleasure to be able so to do. I must also thank the jury for the manner in which they have done their duty, as a body of intelligent and conscientious citizens; they have listened most carefully and attentively to the voluminous evidence taken before the Court, and have helped me in every conceivable way. I again thank them." The Foreman : I, on behalf of the jury, have to thank you, Mr Coroner, for the kindly, courteous, and faithful manner in which you have conducted this inquiry. We and all concerned have endeavoured to the best of our ability to carry out the duty devolving upon us, and I have to also thank the lawyers, railway authorities and others for their assistance during the hearing. In conclusion, I wish to convey the deepest sympathy of the jury to the bereaved relatives and friends of the deceased. The Coroner said he joined most heartily with the jury in conveying sympathy to the relatives, and the Court then closed.