FATAL TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1322, 21 March 1884, Page 2

FATAL TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.

(by telegbaph.) Dunedin, March 20. Mr Oliver Wakefield, Under-Secretary for-Goldfields, who was on his way from Wellington to Melbourne, by the Waihora, was very seriously injured by a steam tram motor in Princes-street today. He was crossing the street, and in trying to avoid an express waggon, was struck by the tram engine and knocked down. The front wheels ran over them, but the engine was stopped before the back wheels could touch him. He was taken to the Hospital in an unconscious state, and there it was found that both thigh bones were severed, and that he had sustained a severe scalp wound. Ho recovered consciousness at the Hospital, and messages were sent to his frienda. He is a broteer of Mr E. Wakefield, M.H.R., and Mr Wakefield has been sent for to come to Dunedin. Mr Wakefield has since died in the Hospital. The doctors amputated both legs, and he lived a very short time afterwards. Mr Wakefield died at 6 p.m. When he recovered consciousness in the Hospital, he. gave his name so that his friends might be communicated with, and he mentioned Mr Driver and Mr Larnach, from whom he had not long before parted, as Dunedin acquaintances. Four doctors performed the operation. It was not for a moment believed that his life could be saved, but it wa3 the only chance, as the thigh bones were severed. He was sensible after the operation, and spoke to acquaintances present,' but he only lived about half an hour. Two doctors remained with him till ho died. He was going on a visit to Melbourne on leave of absence. It is not certain whether the tram engine knocked him down, or whether he got confused and fell. Some persons on the pavement, who saw the occurrence, believe that he lost hi 3 nerve in front of the engine and fell down before it struck him. The news of the accident has caused a great shock in the city.