THE ONEHUNGA TRAMWAY FATALITY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3105, 8 June 1917, Page 6

THE ONEHUNGA TRAMWAY FATALITY

EVIDENCE OF THE MOTOR-MAN. • By Telegraph—Pre9s Association. Auckland, June 7. The adjourned inquest into tho death of Annie Elizabeth Jju-ch, a victim of the tramway accident at Onehunjju on May au, was resumed to-day. George Murray, District Engineer, gave evidence that tlie track was in good running order. Sydney Stirling Colquhoun, motorman, said that the evening the accident occurred was dark, and when he received tho starting signal he looked round the side of the car to 6ee if the passengers had safely boarded. This was customary, especially at right. While looking towards the back of the oar he had the controller handle in his right hand. Tho handle was then in its proper place at the "off" position. Witness was grasping with the left hand an iron stanchion connecting tho step and tho roof of the" car. Before he regained his usual position on the platform he released tho air brake to allow the car to start. When stepping back to the centre of the platform he turned the controller handle so that the car was given two or three "notches" of power. Just as he had done this he 'Overbalanced and attempted to recover himself by pulling on the controller handle, which came right oft in his band, and allowed him to fall out on the road. There were three separate brakes, on© of which was applicable 111 two distinct ways. There was no rule in the book of rules and instructions for 'motormen forbidding them to look around the side of the car, nor was there any rule compelling them to do so. It _ wa9 simply a custom of the service arising from the difficulty that the conductor sometimes experienced in ascertaining if all the passengers were clear of the back platform. , . Other evidence was given by omcials and "passengers. _ The inquiry was adjourned till Tuesday. when a demonstration as to how the accident occurred will be given.