RAILWAY PORTER'S DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18374, 14 April 1923, Page 10

RAILWAY PORTER'S DEATH.

STRUCK ON HEAD BY TRAIN. INQUIRY INTO ACCIDENT. [bi telegraph.— CORRESPONDENT.] ; ~ *: . HAMILTON. Friday. In the inquiry before the coroner, Mr. H. A. Young, S.M., into the death of William Cressy, ; a railway porter, who was struck on "the head by an express engine at Te Kauwhata on March 28, sustaining injuries which resulted in • his death at the Waikato Hospital next day, evidence was given by A. B. Casey, slationmaster at Te Kauwhata, that part of Cressy's duties consisted of oiling the points. On. March 28 the midday express from Auckland to Wellington,, which had been put on to cope with 'the Easter holiday traffic, was running for the first time since the Christmas period. Cressy should have known that the train was running that day, as notices to that effect had been issued to each member of the staff. To the Coroner: There was s a bend in the line near where Cressy was struck, but he could obtain a clear view of the line for about 400 yds. Francis Joseph Jennings, fireman on the train, said that he had seen Cressy standing alongside the lines, but some distance ahead, preparing to oil the points. He was well; clear of the main lines. The whistle had been sounded three times before the train passed Te Kauwhata. Walter Leonard Cliffe, railway clerk at Te Kauwhata, said Cressy was well clear of _ the main lines , when witness last noticed him only ' a very short while before the train struck him. The coroner found that death was accidental, no blame being atachable to any. one. .' -. -;•: .