KILLED BY TRAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21876, 11 August 1934, Page 12

KILLED BY TRAIN

FARMER CROSSING BRIDGE

ENGINEDRIVER'S EVIDENCE "THOUGHT MAN GOT CLEAR" [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] PALMERSTON NORTH, Friday A verdict that deceased was accidentally killed on the bridge over the Tokomaru Stream through being struck by the engine of an excursion train last Sunday morning was returned at thti inquest to-day on Joseph Henry Ligjjins, aged 55, a farmer, of Tokomaru. Edwin Andrews, enginedriver on the train, gave evidence that when approaching the bridge, he saw a man come up the embankment about 10 yards in front of the engine and attempt to cross tho lino. He looked toward tho engine and witness presumed ho saw it. Witness sounded a warning whistle, but the man proceeded to cross the line at a right angle to the engine. Witness then lost sight of him. After crossing the bridge witness expected to see the man, who was not then on. the bridge. Witness stoppej the train and examined the engine thoroughly, but found no marks to indicate that the man had been struck. Thinking everything all right, witness proceeded on his journey, being satisfied tho man had cot clear. Erederick Bicknell, guard on the train, said he walked back along the line and saw nothing to suggest any trouble. There wore no remarks by passengers.

A son of deceased cave evidence of finding his father's body on a bank of the stream under the bridge after a search. Constable Blackie described deceased's injuries and marks on the bridge. He said it was evident that deceased had been struck by the train and thrown against the side of the bridge. Then he had fallen about 25ft. to the bed of the stream. In giving his verdict, the coroner added that no blame was attachable to the railway officials.