ONEHUNCA TRAM TRAGEDY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4580, 8 June 1917, Page 6

ONEHUNCA TRAM TRAGEDY.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. Press Association Telegram. AUCKLAND, Jim o 7. The adjourned inquest ,ii)|to tho death of Annie Elizabeth Birch, the victim of the tramway accident at Onehunga on May 26, was resumed to-day. George Murray, district engineer, gave evidence that the track was in good running order. Sydney Stirling Colquhoun, motorman, gave evidence that the evening was dark and when he received the starting signa] he looked round the side of the car to see if passengers had safely boarded. This was customary, especially at night. While looking towards "the back of the car, ho had the controller handle in. his right hand. The handle was then in the ( proper place at the “off” position. | Witness was grasping with his left! hand the iron stancheon connectings the step and roof of the car. Before lie regained his usual position on the ■ platform he released the air brake to allow the car to start. When stepping back to the centre of the plat- : form, he turned the controller ban- i die, so that the car was given two or three “notches” of power. Just as lie hacll done this, lie overbalanced and attempted to recover himself by pub ling on the controller handle, which came right off in his hand and allowed him to fall out on the r.oad. There were three separate brakes, one of which was applicable in two distinct ways. There was no rule m the book of rules and instruction for motorinen forbidding them to look around, the side of the car, nor "as there any rule compelling them to do 1 so. Jt was simply the custom of the service, arising from the difficulty that the conductor sometimes experienced in ascertaining if all passeugers were clear of the hack or the platform. . Other evidence was given by officials and passengers and the inquiry was adjourned till Tuesday, when a demonstration as to how the accident occurred will be given.