FATALITY AT RUNANGA.

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 July 1907, Page 3

FATALITY AT RUNANGA.

- . Patrick McDonald killed.

! Quite a gloom was cast over tho towi : last evening, when it became known tha one of bur most popular railway officers ii ! person of Patrick McDonald had met witl f an accident —which terminated fatally thi | morning—oii the State Collieries’ raihva; line. It appears that McDonald, who wa; stationmaster at Runanga, proceeded t< tiie State Collieries early in the evenin' for the purpose of superintending tin loading of a coal special. This work hav ing been completed, lie. got on the engine of the special in order to get. a lift dowr (lie line, Ins residence being situated al Runanga. When nearing the latter place, McDonald attempted to leave the train, hut, apparently, his coat either got caught ' or else he slipped on a boulder, causing him to lose his footing, with the result that his legs got under the train. The left , leg was practically severed, just below the knee, while Die right leg was very severe|ly injured, being terribly crushed. The ! special was immediately pulled up, and ; after Dr Millington had done all possible to i alleviate the sufferer, McDonald was placard in the guard’s van and conveyed to the Greymouth Hospital, where he was attended to by the Superintendent and Matron. Drs Morico, Mcßrearfcy and McKay held a consultation, and decided that amputation of both legs was advisable. Tho operation was performed forthwith, and was successfully concluded, and the patient appeared to progress favourably. McDonald, however, was in a precarious state, and suffered most severely from shock, and death intervened at 6 a.m. today. The deceased, who was a native of Totara Flat, where Ins parents reside, was well known throughout tho district, and was held in high regard and esteem. He was a most obliging and courteous officer, and had earned for himself tho high ap predation of all who came in contact with him in his official capacity. Some years ago lie married a daughter of Mr J. MeKinty ot this town. To the widow, and the parents of deceased and the relatives the heartfelt sympathy of the community will ho extended, in this, their sad hour of trial and affliction.

The funeral will take place on Monday afternoon.