Rail Car Smash

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1937, Page 5

Rail Car Smash

A tragedy took place on the Holo-tika-Grevmouth railway line yesterday

afternoon about 4.45 o’cock, when the rail-car, which left Hokitika at 4.25 p.m. with a full complement of passengers, left the rails at the level road crossing on the Greymouth side of Arahura, leading to Flowery Creek hill, and after traversing some 3 chains, crashed on the side of the railway line, with the result that Mr William Jeffries, the well-kjiown auctioneer of Hokitika was killed, death ensuing before his arrival at the Hospital, and a number of other passengers and staff were more or less scr- . iousl.y injured. ' A PASSENGER’S STORY. Mr Cliff J. White, of Melbourne, who was the, last passenger to enter the car for the journey, stated that the oar was a full ship leaving Hokitika. He noticed that on approaching the crossing Che car slowed up, and the whistle was sounded, the car going at a slow pace over the crossing. The car at once commenced to bump. The humps became 'bigger and heavier. Then came a bit of a lurch, and the car swung right round, the nose being in the bushes and the rear wheels on the line. At this point the rails on the line were bulged: somewhat out’of alignment. The rear wheels here left the line and travelled on a further chain almost where the body swung down into the blackberry bushes which are thick all along here. As the car slid down, the strain proved too much for the ceiling of the car, which smashed completely off, landing on the rails upside down, and herein a number or the passengers were thrown when the top came to rest. Of the other passengers, some were in the body of the car. and others were thrown out on to the ground between the body of the car and the railway formation. Our informant stated that the top broke off, collapsing like a pack of cards,. It was marvellous how many of the passengers came to rest in the upturned ceiling, as if in a cradle. He personally escaped with minor cuts from glass. He soon realised when the car began to bump violently that a crash was coming. but bad only time to cover bis face with Jiis arm, before the actual crash came. MV White had a word of praise f-or the promptness with which the crew got out and rushed to assist, (hose in the back of the car. It was recognised that, one passenger was seriously injured. He was attended by a nurse who was aboard, a married lady. After attending to the injured, sue went on in the train to Greymouth, from Hokitika, which was delayed on arrival at the scene of the accident, pending attention being given to the injured.

AN EYE-WITNESS'S ACCOUNT. About the only eye-witnesses of the actual accident outside, those aboard the rail-car were Mr Alfred Richards, whose dairy farm is on the seaside of the road crossing, and his son Dick. They were just about to commence the usual evening'milking operations, when ' they lieard the rail-can- coming along. ’Mr Alfred Richards looked up as the ‘’laiUfckf ' sped along and crossed the ' ’road-line. He saw the rail-car jump .' at‘the"crossing. The jump was a. very noticeable one. Then some trees cut '’off further r view of the rail-ear from where lie was, until it had travelled nearly a chain. He then saw the railcar rocking very badly, ;vnd knew it must have left the fails. Continuing to rock more furiously, the rail-ear then twisted right round, end for end, the front facing Hokitika, where it had just come from, and then rolled down the embankment of the railway line, while the roof of the car broke away and came back top downwards on to the rails. A number of the passengers were thrown into the upturned ceiling, but a majority were in the body of the ear. several including Messrs Jeffries and Thompson, being thrown out between the body of the car and the railway line formation.

When Mr Richards saw the accident occur, he at once told his son Dick to get his bicycle and ride dawn to the Greyhound Hotel at Arahura. the nearest telephone connection, and give news of the accident to the doctors, police and ambulance. The young man was promptly on his way to give the 1 equired alarm, even while his father was making his way to the scene, some five chains away from the homestead. On arrival he gave his assistance in helping the injured. The ear when it started to slide down the embankment:, L said Mr Richards in conclusion, “opened up like the lid of a box.” The distance from the crossing whore it is presumed the front wheels left the rails to the point where the rails wore bent was 2 chains 10 feet, while the distance to the rear of the rail-ear. where it- rested, was 3 chains 5 feet. The driver of the rail-car was Mr Percy Evans, who has been the regular driver for some time, in the ear behind him was. Mr pj. Phibbs, a railway engine driver, who had driven the ear in from Greymouth. butvjhad stood cfown. ,• : as thoro was a full load aboard.

At Flowery Creek Road Crossing Car Leaves the Rails and Smashes Mr William Jeffries Killed Number of Other Passengers Injured

The list of those injured, and the nature of their injuries are:— Killed, William Jeffries, auctioneer, of Hokitika. Injured. William A. Hanna, carpenter of Greymouth, strained back, arm injury and bruises. John Thompson, driver for Kennedy Eros, of Greymouth, arm injuries, laceration of the head and shock. J. A. Guy of Eruce Eav, formerly of 1 38 High Street Greymouth, fractured left thigh. 1 Driver, Percy J. Evans, of Greymouth, injuries to body. W. I). Mackay, 73, truant officer for Westland, of Weld St. Hokitika head injuries, abrasions and shock, serious. Sister M. Madeline, of Christchurch Convent, fractured ribs and severe shock. Porter Wright, acting guard, Greymouth, injuries to head and back. Mrs W. Jeffries, of Hokitika, (wife of deceased), fractured wrist, bruised arm and leg and shock. Airs AY. D. Mackay (74) bruises and abrasions to head and limbs and shock. James Phi libs, of Greymouth, assistant rail car driver, bruises to knees and loft foot injured. Sister Alary Gerard. Lyttelton Convent, bruises and shock. I Sister Alary Tarcisius, of Hokitika Convent, bruises and shock.

Other Passengers. Other passengers aboard, who escaped with minor cuts and bruises or shock or only very slight injury were: — Air 0. J. White (Melbourne), W. Arnoll (Greymouth), Gavin Arnett (Greymouth), Geo. Williams (Greymouth). Some of the passengers who were not seriously injured joined the ordinary train for Greymouth, at the scene of the accident.

As soon as those passengers who were not injured to any extent, had extricated themselves from the debris of broken woodwork and glass, attention was given to those less fortunate. It was at on'ce seen that Mr Jeffries was in a very serious condition. Attention was given to those injured as quickly as possible, and the residents in the locality soon made their appearance to do what they could to relieve the suffering. Soon motor-cars and lorries arrived and assistance was given to bring the injured to Westland Hospital. Here Drs'. Wlson and Oakey, and the Matron and staff had a busy time attending to the needs of those who were injured.

Inquiry at the Hospital this morning elicited the information that the injured had passed a good night, and generally had shown improvement. The condition of Mr W. D. Maekny, though showing some improvement; was still serious. Several were feeling the effect of' the severe bruising they bad received, anil were in considerable pain, though their condition was not serious. One of those admitted last evening, Mr J. Phibbs, was discharged from the Hospital to-day. Mrs F. Freitas and two children, and Air George lieed, the well known starter of Christchurch, and Air O. C. Baker, of Christchurch, were included in the list of passengers who escaped injury. Airs Gee, of Greymouth, is sufforfrom severe bruises on the chest.

WILLIAM JEFFRIES Air William Jeffries, who died as a result of the rail car smash, was a wellknown figure in Westland. He was head of the firm of ffm. Jeffries and Co, auctioneers of Hokitika, having purchased the business of Alack Sprot and Co, some 25 years ago. He was born at Reef ton on October 10. 1875. and. was therefore 63 years of age. He was educated at Charleston State School and from there went to St. Patrick's ‘College, Wellington, fro’m 1888 till 1831. He then joined the staff of fhe Rank of New Zealand retiring after 11 years of service, and went to South Canterbury, standing unsuccessfully for Parliament for Geraldine electorate. He came to Hokitika in

1912. and has taken a very keen interest in local affairs. He served on the Hokitika Borough Council for a number of years, and on the Westland Hospital Board, of which he was chairman for a dong period, and was a very acti'o member thereof up to bis death. He was a well-known racing enthusiast, and a member of the Committee ni t'm Westland Racing Club. Horses with his colours up have won many impo*tint on the West Coast. his horse Alonipere. winning the Westland TTondiofin, at the Christmas Aleotins at Hokitika. A man of strong opini-m* lie was nlwavs outspoken, going his wav dp. n,o uncertain manner. Ho had been a member of the W estland County

Council for several years, and County Chairman for several periods, representing the Southern. Riding of the County. His figure was a well-known throughout lie length of the West Coast and further afield, and there will be widespread regret at the tragic ending of a* useful life. Deceased leaves a widow, (who has been in illhealth for some Lime, and Hie couple were leaving yesterday on a health trip to the North Island), two sisters (Airs Torbort, of Wellington, and Airs van Han It, of Raglan, Waikato) and four brothers (Frank, Arthur, Kenneth, and James Jeffries, all of Wellington). To them the deep sympathy of the community will bo sorrowfully extended.

A TRIBUTE There were few public or social matters with which the late William Jeffries was not associated. Hi s sudden demise yesterday leaves a blank which will be, sadly lelt throughout the community. As a public man he showed always a fearless spirit in 'dealing with affairs. He was a. keen economist, and from his banking training, strove always to ensure a. balanced budget. Air Jeffries was a useful man on every committee on which lie served. His experience and genera] knowledge made him a useful mem her in all business transactions. At the local body table be was one who could concentrate on the subject at issue, and could focus his ideas in presenting a clear cut motion. In that respect lie nau few equals, and was a valued member because of that special ability. Tn the public service also, he was ready to serve the community, and so we find him giving bis time and talents for the public benefit. At public meetings or at deputations be could b : e relied on for cogent statements on the subjects at issue and generally gave freely of his talents in regard to local administration. In more social matters he wa s a very useful worker, being both a leader and an organiser on many committees in which lie took part. Ho was a prominent Church worker, and a ready helper in all philanthropise work. Tn business affairs be was keen and an- | sinus to do his besf for clients, while the large business which he has conducted so successfully is proof of his application and interest in its ramifications.

So there passes one whom the community can ill spare. He was a figure in the town and a citizen of the highest repute. Hi* end came with a suddenness which shocked the people. He was busy yesterday preparing for bis departure and contemplated absence of three weeks. He came in contact with severay people with whom he saw to the adjustment of many matters before hurrying to the train. He was brieht and hearty in his farewells, and then came the distressing news of a serious accident, and the culminating note that lie had been killed in the crash. Thus passes a highly respected citizen who has rendered most valuable service to the town and district.

To Mrs Jeffries in her sad and sudden bereavement, the deepest sympathy of all will go out, for all will feel tiro keenest regret for her irreparable loss.

HOSPITAL BOARD At a special meeting of the Westland Hospital Board last evening, on members meeting the Chairman (Mr T. W. Duff) ref cured!'in feeling terms to the sail fatality that had occurred a couple of hours before, which had resulted in the death of a member of the Board, Air W .Jeffries. Mr Duff eulogised the special services that deceased had given to the Board as Chairman over several years and. as a member, and moved that the Board place on record its deep sense of the loss sustained by the tragic death of Air W. Jeffries, and their deep • sympathy with Airs Jeffries in the sudden calamity that had overtaken her, with tho hope that she would speedily recover from the injuries she had also sustained. The motion was"supported by members and carried in silence, standing. The Board then adjourned as a mark of respect to the deceased.

Ir,quest Opened. An inquest was opened this morning at Westland Hospital by the Coroner, Air A. E. Benjamin, touching the dead of William Jcffrieis. Alter evidence of identification hail been given by David Friedlaniler, the inquest was adjourned sine die.

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS. COMMENTS ON ACCIDENT. (.Per Press Association.—Copyright). AUCKLAND, January IS. The Alinister lor Railways ( the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) to-night stated that the General Manager of Railways, Air G. H. Alacklev, had communicated rile news of the unfortunate occurrence to him by telephone, and had conveyed such details as were up to the time of telephoning available, and verified. Tho cause of the accident had up t° the .moment not been determined, and at bis request Air Alacklev was leaving Wellington by air at 0 a.in. on Tuesday for Hokitika t<-> make a personal examination and investigation on tile spot. Technical executive officers of the department- concerned had already left Wellington by steamer express, and would reach the scene of the accident later in the day when, alter Air Alackleys' examiiiiation of the position, there would be constituted a departmental enquiry board to investigate ami report upon the accident mu! the cause. I pen reeeint of the report and evidence supporting it, the Alinister stated, it

would be considered by himself and subsequently Cabinet, and such action as was considered necessary in the interests of the travelling public would immediately be taken. The .Minister expressed deep regret at the unfortunate accident, and sincerest sympathy with the injured, hut more particularly with the family and relatives of Mr Y\ illiam Jeffries. Discussing main line derailments, the Minister said figures showed that the major causes were mechanical failures in vehicle equipment, or fault in the track. “The department and myself,’’ said Mi- Sullivan, “have been ghing special attention to the question of main Khe derailments, and the general manager recently called district technical oilicers, and the inspectorial staff attached to Wellington, to discuss the matter. ’’ After derailments, the most thorough and searching enquiry was 'help... The same thing would take place in this ease. He had directed the manager personally to visit the .scene ol the accident tomorrow, and to report to him ns quickly as possible on the ascertainable cause. No effort- would be spared in the endeavour to reduce the number of derailments, which was a problem 'giving great concern to every railway administration in the world, in spite of the wonderful advances made durimr the last decade in; improving the standard of railway track and equipment.