TRAMCAR FATALITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16096, 9 December 1915, Page 7

TRAMCAR FATALITY.

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST.

NOBODY TO BLAME.

MOTORMAN'S PROMPTITUDE.

A verdict of accidental death was returned at the inquest held yesterday afternoon by Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., into the circumstances connected with the death of Denis Regan, aged 49 years, a miner by occupation, who was knocked down by a tramcar in Karangahape Road at 9.30 p.m., on December 1, and was killed.

Sergeant J. Rock represented the police, and Mr. J. R. Reed, K.C., watched the proceedings on behalf of the Auckland Tramways Company. Dr. \V. S. Brockway deposed tliat at 9-30 p.m. on December 4, he was called to the Friendly Societies' Dispensary in Karangahape Road. When he arrived there he found the body of the deceased. He pronounced life to be extinct. On examination of the body, witness found a bruise over the right temple, and a perforated wound on the back of the head. There was a bruise on the right leg, which was fractured at the thigh. Death was due to shock, following on the injuries.

Patrick Murphv, motorman, employed by the Auckland Tramways Company, deposed that on the evening of December 4 he was driving tramcar 155 along Karangahape Road* towards Ponsonby. He was following a motor-car, which was running on the tram-rails, and he rang the gong to warn the motor-car to get off the line. The motor-car swerved sharply to the left, and a man who was approaching the tram rails from the curb appeared in view. The man did not seem to take any notice of the tramcar, and walked on. Witness sounded his gong, and then applied the emergency brakes. It was too late, and the deceased was knocked down. Deceased seemed to be dead when witness picked him up. The car went on for three or four yards after it struck the man. Henry Miles, who witnessed the accident, gave evidence. Charles Frederick Bennett, land agent, said that On the night in question he was driving a motor-car along Karangahape Road. After rounding the corner of Pitt Street he travelled along the left-hand set of tram-rails. He became aware of a tramcar coming up behind him, and he drew to the left. Almost at that time he saw a man leave the footpath near the Newton post office, and attempt to cross the road. Witness sounded his horn and gave a shrill -whistle. He swerved to the left to avoid the man and slowed the car down. The man did not show any concern and walked ahead. On turning round witness eaw the accident. The following verdict was returned :— The deceased, Denis Regan, met his death at 9.30 p.m. on December 4, as a result of injuries received by being accidentallv knocked down by a tramcar in Karangahape Road. The evidence shows that the deceased walked on- to the tramtrack in front of the approaching car which apparently he neither saw nor heard. There was no blame attachable to the motorman. The coroner added that the motorman was to be congratulated on the prompt stop he made.