THE NEW PLYMOUTH RAILWAY FATALITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11400, 18 April 1899, Page 5

THE NEW PLYMOUTH RAILWAY FATALITY.

(Per United Press Association.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, April 17. An inquiry into the accident which resulted in the death of Walter Asher, railway porter at New Plymouth station, was held to-day. The evidence of Morrison, the driver of the shunting engine, was to tho effect that Asher had uncoupled a truck, which ran over him. Morrison ran to deceased and said, "Good God, Walter, what have you done?" Asher replied: "My tVifi'- got caught, and I could not help myself.'' In witness's opinion the station accommodation was small, but ho did not think a curved line more dangerous than a straight one. Deceased was a steady, reliable, man. Fireman Barney arid Porter Smith gave corroborative evidence. A verdict was returned that deceased cams by his death from shock caused by being run over by a truck at New Plymouth, railway station in a purely accidental mannei, and that no blame attaches to anyone; but the jury feel it would be failing in its duty if it did not most strongly make the following suggestions to the Minister for Railways with a' view to preventing as far as possible similar accidents in future: —"First, that the small spaces between the rails in which a foot might lie caught in any part of the station yard where shunting is carried on should be effectively filled in with wood or other suitable material whenever practical; secondly, that greater facilities should be provided for the -convenience and safe carrying on of traffic in New Plymouth station yard, especially with the view of shunting operations, as we are of opinion that the present accommodation is inadequate." The coroner concurred.

Ethel R. Benjamin, barrister and solicitor, Albert Buildings, Princes street, Dunedin (opposite C.P.0.), has trust moneys to lend on approved security.—Ailvt.