A FATAL COLLISION.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 248, 18 October 1909, Page 5

A FATAL COLLISION.

KILLED BY A TRAIN. George Balme, storekeeper, of Bombay, was driving across the level crossing at Runciman on Saturday evening, just as the 5 o'clock goods train from Auckland, arrived. The result was a violent collision, which resulted in the immediate death of Mr. Balme, who was thrown out on bis head. His trap was smashed, and his horse fatally injured. Deep sympathy is felt for the family of the deceased. It is stated that the attention of the railway authorities has been frequently called * to the danger of this crossing, but hitherto no steps have been taken to prevent the occurrence of such distressing accidents as that which took place on Saturday. An inquiry into the accident was opened yesterday before Mr. Webster, coroner, and, after evidence of identification, was adjourned until Wednesday morning, when the jury will view the scene of the fatality and return to Pukekohe to complete the inquest. The body was carried 30 yards along the line from the poirct where the collision occurred, and "was found on the opposite side of the line to that on which the horse la,"