ONGARUE ENQUIRY

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 July 1923, Page 3

ONGARUE ENQUIRY

DOCTOR’S EVIDENCE. (Per Press Association.) TAUMARUNUI, July 24. The adjourned inquest on the Ongarue disaster was resumed to-day before the District Coroner, Mr. Laird. Inspector Fouhy represented the police, and Mr. Isaacs the Railway Department. Dr. Welby Fisher, Medical Superintendent of Taumarunui Hospital gave evidence as to the work done by him to rescue and assist the injured. On his arrival at the scene. Dr. Bathgate showed him what had been done, and he helped to remove some of the dead and injured. As soon as the second relief train came he arranged with the Traffic Manager for the speedy transfer of the injured to the hospital. Dr. Howard, who arrived by the second train, proceeded to Ongarue, where five injured required attention . Witness arranged that Dr. Howard should follow him to the ’ hospital. Subsequently Drs. Bathgate ’ and Vivian boarded the return train 1 with him, with all the available in- ’ jured. Three patients died on the way. On his arrival, he arranged with Dr. Vivian to atteud to the tran-j shipment and to follow to the hospital with Dr. Bathgate, while witness

motored to the hospital to prepare for the patients. Questioned by the Coroner, the witness said he did not see any irreverence shown to the dead, but, on the contrary, every respect was shown. This suggestion might have arisen because attention had to be directed to the injured. Witness arrived at the hospital at 10.45 a.rn. Dr. Vivian came shortly after, in accordance with their arrangements, but did not remain. Between 1 and 2 o’clock, Dr. Vivian was sent for. Witness had made arrangements for all the medical men to go to the hospital. Dr. Bathgate went away for refreshment, after arduous work. Dr Vivian informed witness, after his arrival, that he wished to get away, and did not think he would be required. He asked witness if there was anything particular to be/done. Witness was unable to specify, except to do as he was doing, going over the cases and giving attendance tor shock. All the injured till then had received first aid., Dr. Vivian said he was prepared to return later when operations were to be performed. He exercised his own judgment in leaving or staying. Dr. Howard came after the arrival of the second relief train. The shortage of medical men for tw o hours was not detrimental to the patients. Witness understood Dr. Vivian left because he had other pressing business. From a public point of view, Dr. Vivian may have erred in his judgment. It was certainly no desire of witness that he should go.