SURFACEMAN'S DEATH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20959, 24 February 1930, Page 3

SURFACEMAN'S DEATH.

INQUEST CONTINUED. The adjourned inquest into the circumsurrounding the death of Alexander Gray a railway surfaceman, residing at rlati Stream, -who was struck by a tram near Pukerangi on February 2, was resumed on Saturday morning before the cononer, Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M. . Sergeant Wade conducted the proceedings on behalf of the police and Mr E. Rewman represented the Railways Department. James.. Alexander Froude said he 'was the engine driver on the goods train which left Dunedin on February 2, at 8 p.m., for Central, Otago. Everything went .well before turning the bend near I ukerangi. This curve was at tho top of a grade. The speed ,of the train increased after turning the bend to about ,30 miles per hour. The first indication witness had that there was something wrong came when dust and gravel flew up from the rails showing that something was being dragged by the engine wheels. The tram was stopped,and when witness went to the front of the engine he found a velocipede jammed under the buffer. He % Wtis of tho opinion that tho velocipede struck; as the train was rounding tho btmd. Iho engine was fitted with an acetylene headlamp which gave a fairly good light. Witness told his mate to take the velocipede off the front of the engine, and went to the rear of the train. Seventy yards to the rear of the guard's vau he found the deceased lying on the side of the line. He was very badly injured and was just breathing. The deceased was lifted into the van and first aid was rendered. The train then proceeded to Pukerangi where the tablet porter was instructed to communicate with the station master, in order that a doctor and the police could meet the train When thetpain reached Middlemarch Gray was dead. It was difficult to see round a curve at night Samuel-Gillies railway fireman, gave corroborative evidence, and stated that the accident occurred at about 10.50 p.m. Evidence was also given by Joseph Smith! raiiway guard, and William Thomas Gray, the latter, a brother of the deceased, stating that the deceased was a man of temperate habits. The inquest was then adjourned to Middlemarch to be resumed on Friday.