LEVEL CROSSING FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1930, Page 10

LEVEL CROSSING FATALITY.

SPEED OF A TRAIN. COMMENT BY CORONER. • (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Friday. At the inquest held this evening concerning the deaths of Alexander Kelly and his daughter .Ethel as the result of a level crossing accident at Mokotua, when a motor-lorry collided with a special train in which the Minister of Railways, Hon. W. B. Taveruer, was travelling, the following verdict was returned:— "That deceased met their deaths as the result of a collision when a motor lorry was struck by a special train." The'jury added a.rider to the 'effect that no blame was attachable to the driver or the fireman of the train. The coroner, Mr. James Ward, referring to the fact that the special train "was permitted to run at 40 miles an hour irrespective of crossings, said: "T notice that the. special train was travelling at about 40 miles a'n hour when conveying the Minister of Railways over the line. I do not know why it should be necessary for him to travel at such speed for the Minister has the whole of the recess for the purpose of visiting various railway centres on Departmental business. However, I suppose he has good reason to travel so."