Two Killed At Level Crossing

Northern Advocate, 1 March 1939, Page 12

Two Killed At Level Crossing

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

Two people were killed yesterday afternoon when a railway engine struck their car at a level crossing on a road leading into the back of the Fairfield freezing works, near Ashburton. , The victims were: Mr Martin John Esker, farmer, of Dromore, six miles from Ashburton. Mrs Bessie Esker, wife of Mr Esker. Both were aged about 50. The car was smashed to pieces, the main portion being tossed about 40 yards away. Mr Esker, who was driving, was caried along in the wreckage, and was eventually thrown clear about 50 yards from the crossing. Mrs Esker, who was in the front seat by her husband, received the full force of the impact, and was thrown clear a few yards further on.

“INVESTIGATIONS are being made at present by the Government’s own officers, and when these are completed we will decide what the next step shall be,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Savage, when asked last evening if it was intended to agree to the request of the Farmers? Union to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the state of the sheepfarming industry. jpOR the first time in two years, Ml. Tasman, the second highest peak in New Zealand, was climbed on Sunday by Miss C. Irving, of Albury, South Canterburdy, with Guides M. Bowie and S. Brookes, of The Hermitage. Miss Irving is the second woman to reach the summit by the route from the east side since 1914. SHORTAGE of rolling stock throughout the North Island is blamed for the lack of railway trucks at New Plymouth, where, as a result, two coastal ships have been unable to work for a day, while the sailing of the motor vessel Durham Star, which was to have left last night, was i delayed. Shipping agents expressed concern at the serious position that had arisen, and said it was general throughout the North Island.