INJURIES PROVE FATAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21991, 24 December 1934, Page 8

INJURIES PROVE FATAL

RAILWAY OFFICIAL'S DEATH ACCIDENT NEAR TAUPIRI [by TELEGRAPH OWN correspondent] HAMILTON. Saturday The death occurred at the Waikato Hospital last evening of Mr. A. J. Meade, aged 58, married, of Frankton Junction, inspector of permanent way, who was injured at Button's Crossing, south of Taupiri station, last Tuesday afternoon, when a motor-jigger upon which he was riding with another railway officer was overtaken bv a mixed

train. Mr. Meade suffered grave head injuries, nnd was admitted to hospital in n critieal condition. His companion, Mr. H. W. Beasley, district engineer, of Auckland, received concussion, but is making good progress. The two men were travelling from Frankton Junction to Mercer on an inspection tour of the line in preparation for the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to Auckland. The jigger was carried about seven chains on the cowcatcher of the overtaking train before it was thrown clear of the line and completely wrecked. Mr. Beasley was knocked clear of the line, but Mr. Meade was struck by the cowcatcher. Mr. Meade is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters. He had been at Frankton Junction for only two months, being inspector of permanent way at Springfield, Canterbury, prior to that. An inquest was opened before Mr. S. R. Patorson, S.M., coroner, this morning, and was adjourned after evidence of identification had been given.