WAIOTU RAILWAY MISHAP.

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1916, Page 2

WAIOTU RAILWAY MISHAP.

OLD MAN SKKiOUSLY HURT,

ARM .NEARLY SEVERED.

A serious misadventure befel an old man named William Featheraton at. the Waiotu railway .station this lxiomi ii.tr Feathcrston had journeyed from Whakapara to Htikerenui on the early upline train, and was on his return to Whakapara. As the tvaiu was pulling out of the Waiotu station at about 10.30 Feathcrston, for some unexplained reason, attempted to get off from one of the platforms. The impetus of the train and his lack of activity—he is 8S years old—caused Featherston to fall, with one of his arms lying across the rail. Several spectators of the mishap noted Feat'herston's precarious position and called out an alarm. The I driver applied the' brakes and brought the train to a standstill with wonderful promptitude, but as it was one of the sets of bogey wheels had passed over Featherston's arm, which was almos: severed at the biceps. The unfortunate victim of the accident was brought, into Whangarei by the same train and conveyed to the district hospital. Wat deemed essential, though there must be some question of Featherston being able to sustain the shock, considering his great age and the terrible nature of his injuries. Featherston has been better known in this district for many years by the soubriquet of "Fenian Bill." Further particulars go to show thai an improvised stretcher was constructed at Waiotu and that a telephone message was sent to Dr. East who met the train at Hikurangi and gave first aid, the tr.vn being delayed for the purpose.