THE FATAL'TRAM ACCIDENT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3954, 22 March 1884, Page 3

THE FATAL'TRAM ACCIDENT.

Dunedin, This day. The following additional particulars in reference to the above sad affair have been elicited: — A few minutes before 3 o'clock a steam motor with a enr attached was proceeding at the ordinary rate along Princess-street, between the Criterion Hotel and the Octagon, when it suddenly came to a standstill, oxaotly- opposite the Morning Herald office. Mr A. 0. Kiraball, who was standing on the back of the platform, jumped off to ascertain the cause, and beheld the body of a man lying at the back of the front wheel of the engine. Tho engine driver (Peter Jack), and some persons who had observed the accident, extricated the body. On being raised Mr Wakefield asked for Mr Larnach, and said the papers on him would give all necessary information. The driver and Mr Larnach at once telegraphed to Judge Ward, and also communicated with Mr B. Wakefield at Timaru. Drs. Maunsell and Scott amputated both legs, but from the first it was seen to be a hopeless ease. A few minutes before his death he once more regained consciousness, and recognised Mr Larnach, Mr Elliott, and other friends who were present. He addressed a few words to them, and then passed away in peace.

An onlooker named David B. Lister, who was present when the accident occurred, stated that the unfortunate gentleman was crossing from the Morning Herald office towards tho establishment of Herbert, ! Haynes and Co., when tho affair happened. "When in tho centre of the road Mr Wakofield observed an express and a steam motor clone up on him. The express was in front of the train, and the engine driver whistled in order to apprise the expressman of his danger. The latter twisted his horse aside, and Mr TVakcfield, in trying to escape the express, ran between the rails and dropped down, as if he was overtaken by nervous excitement, in front of the engine. The driver, observing him, put off steam as quickly as possible, bnt the front wheels passed across tho victim's thigh before the engine came to a stop. Mi , Lister states that the driver acted with commendable promptitude. He also states that when Mr Wakefield was extricated he opened his eyes, and exclaimed in a feeble voice, " Oh, why did'nt you stop ?"