FATALITY AT PETONE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7630, 23 January 1903, Page 2

FATALITY AT PETONE.

Shunter's Neck Broken.

Mr Fredfr'ck William Swift, aged 21, son of Mr Frederick Swift, Hill-street, was accidentally killed while engaged in shunting operations at the Petone railway station shortly before midnight on Wednesday. On arrival at Petone of the goods traiu at ll.So p.m. from the 1 Wairarapa, Swift was engaged in shunti ing waggons on to the siding. He was last seen by the engine-driver riding on tho front of tho first waggon, signalling with 1113 lantern, fipon afterwards the j lantern was missed ; the driver whistlad for signals and got none in return. Swift's lantern was then teen lying on the ground, and, on looking furth r, the body was found lying clear of the rails. Life appeared to ba extinct, but there was no appearance to indicate that the body had been run over. Dr Hamilton arrived, pronounced the I young man dead, and found his neck was broken, his jaw dislocated, and the . side of the neck deeply gashed. j The assistant stalionmaster and guard Swindale were at the points, and saw nothing of the accident' or its cause The place where the body was found , was about four yards from the pojuts, between the station and the cattle-yard. j The theory is that a corner of a wagon or some projection struck Swift on'the neck as he rode along, and knocked _i_ backward?.