Tram Car Dangers.

Hastings Standard, Volume XIII, Issue 4311, 15 November 1909, Page 5

Tram Car Dangers.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

Christchurch, November 15.

A number of tram conductors returning to Christchurch from the Riccarton racecourse on a double decked car on Saturday had an unpleasant experience. The arm of an electric pole near Sockburn had bent under the strain, and caused a short circuit. The trolley wire fused giving out a bisc flame and the car became " alive." The men on top had the presence of mind to stand still and away from anv metal until Inspector Richardson, with rubber gloves, was able to free the car of the wire. Had there been passengers in the car there would have been a panic, and if they had touched the metal railings the results would have been serious.

Fredrick Ashton, a conductor on a New Brighton tram, was badly injured while attempting to prevent a passenger from getting off while his car was in motion. He overbalanced himself and his head struck a pole. His skull was fractured but he is progressing favourably.