INQUEST.

Grey River Argus, 15 May 1911, Page 6

INQUEST.

OHRISTCHURCH, May 14,

At the inquest on John Hill the evidence of Henry Barker, engine-driver, was to the effect when 'the train from Ash-burton, which he was driving and which' arrived ait Christchurch at 6.45 on Friday night was approaching Sockburn witness saw deceased immediately .in front of the cowcatcher wnich struck him at the same time. Hall had just stepped off 'the line and the cowcatcher struck him sideways clear of the line and on to 1 the platform. N A flask of wffislcy was found on him.

The hospital doctor stated that Hill smelt slightly of .alcohol when admitted, Ibut was not able to speak intelligently. There were <no signs of the fracture when examined, hut a post mortem revealed a fracture of the

skull, extending .backwards from a cancer which had eaten 'through the bone of the skull so that the train was exposed in one spot. Hill; must have died in a few weeks. Death was due to* a fractured skull. Hill's son staited his father was a butcher employed at Islington. He was given to drink, but was 'mot under (the influence on the! day of the accident. A verdict was returned in accord with the medical testimony, the Coroner remarking that persons crossing the railway line and not using the overbridge must foe prepared to take the consequences.