ACCIDENTAL DEATH.

Northern Advocate, 22 August 1924, Page 4

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.

THE MAEEEETU TEAGEDY,

At the Whangarei Magistrate's Court yesterday the Coroner, Mr B. W. Tate, S.M., held an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident to John McDonald, who died as the result of being struck by a locomotive engine ; ,t Mareretu on Wednesday last.

From the evidence given by the engine driver, P. Dalziel, it appeared that the deceased was walking along the workmen's track at the side of the line. The deceased, who was very deaf, seemed to be quite clear or the line, and as the engine approached him the driver sounded the whistle as a warning. When the engine was almost opposite the deceased, for some reason which was not apparent to the driver McDonald stepped right in front of the engine and was knocked down.

Dr Campbell, who was called to attend to the injured man, said that the injuries to the head were very severe and he could not do anything for him. He ordered the deceased's removal to the Whangarei Hospital, but McDonald died en route. The Coroner found that deceased came by his death on August 19 as the result of injuries to his head on account of being knocked down by a railway engine at Mareretu, and that no blame was attachable to anyone. The Coroner also wished to compliment the Public Works Department officials on the prompt manner in which the deceased was removed to the Whangarei Hospital.

The Whangarci officials of the Department made all the arrangements for the funeral, which took place at the Mnunu Cemetery yesterday afternoon and was attended by several of the members of the Department. The Rev G. W. Lochore conducted the burial service.