SHOCKING FATALITY. MR. H. M. LYON KILLED.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 21, 26 January 1911, Page 7

SHOCKING FATALITY. MR. H. M. LYON KILLED.

KNOCKED DOWN BY A TRAIN. DEATH INSTANTANEOUS. A distressing accident, resulting in the death of Mr. H. M. Lyon, one of Wellington's best-known citizens, occurred at the Trentham railway station yesterday afternoon, as the Summer Meeting of the Wellington Racing Club was drawing to a close. Mr. Lyon was for many years secretary of the club, and as usual had been attending the meeting. For some time past he had not been in good" health — in fact, he had only recently returned from a healthtrip to Rotorua — and about 3.30 he left the course and sat down for a rest in the office of Mr. B. A. Dawson, traffic inspector. He complained that he was feeling tired, and asked what time the next train would leave for Wellington. He was told that he could not get a. train from the racecourse until 5.5 p.m., but that by going to the Upper Hutt on a train then nearly due he could get home an hour earlier. He said he would go to Upper Hutt, and Mr. Dawson assisted him down from the racecourse platform on to the double line of rails, telling him that he had plenty of time, and that he should cruss the line after the train for Upper Hutt had come in, and then go round behind it. "All right," said Mr. Lyon, and Mr. Dawson crossed on to the opposite platform and put in the tablets. Turning round; he saw tha,t Mr. Lvon had attempted, to cross the line in front of tho train, which was then within fifteen or twenty yards of him. The driver ■whistled and put on the emergency brake; but it -was too late. Hampered by a physical disability which compelled him to walk with two sticks, Mr. Lyon could not reach the platform in time. Mr. Dawson made a grab at his arm, but only got a slight hold, and as his fingers left the coat-sleeve the engine hit Mr. Lyon full in front, and his body disappeared under the wheels. Lifting-jacks had to be used to enable the body to be removed from under the bogie of the first car, and Dr. Fyffe, who was called on for assistance, stated that Mr. Lyon was dead, and that death had been instantaneous. Some men-of-warsmen brought a stretcher, and the body was brought on to Wellington and taken to Mr. Lyon's lateresidence in Portland-crescent. Mr. Dawson had a narrow escape from being imolved in the fatality. If his clutch on the deceased's coat had been firmer he must have almost inevitably been dragged down by his weight when the engine struck the unfortunate man. An inquest on the remains was being held by Dr. M'Arthur, S.M., in his Toom at the Magistrate's Court, as The Post went to press. DECEASED'S CAREER. Mr. Lyon was born in Wellington.. 60 years ago, and has lived here ever sirjce. He was educated at the Wellington Collegiate School and the Christchurch High School, subsequently entering th© business of his father, Mr. W. Lyon, who carried on a large stationery and bookselling business. Later he, with Mr. J. R. Blair, purchased the business, winch was for many years known as Ljron and Blair. In 1879 Mr. W. Lyon died, and Mr. H. M. Lyon sold his interest id his partner, and took up the position of secretary to the Wellington Racing Club. In the following year he resigned to become secretary to the Wellington Harbour Board, a position which he held for five years, when he was again appointed secretary of the Racing Club. A few years ago he resigned that position, being succeeded by Mr. Clark, and later by the present secretary, Mr. A. E. Whyte. For twenty-five years Mr. Lyon was secretary to the Wellington Fire and Maarine Underwriters' Association — a position which he resigned in October last owing to illhealth, though he still retained the position of secretary of the Accident Insurance Association of New Zealand. Mr. Lyon, whose brother, Mr. D. D. Lyon, died about two yea-is ago, leaves a widow and a grown-up family.