DEATH FROM ACCIDENTAL INJURIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 7

DEATH FROM ACCIDENTAL INJURIES.

Mr 11. A. Young, S.M., held an inquest on tho 12th at the Hospital in connection with the death of Thomas Babbitt, farmer, of Akatore, who died on the 10th inst. from injuries received in fin accidental collision with a traction engine in the Tokomariro district on the 6th inst. Dr Bowie stated that deceased had entered tho Hospital on tho 6th instant. Tho story ho gave of the accident was incoherent, and all that could bo gathered was that his horse had run away, and that his vehicle collided with the traction engine. There was no indication of drink on deceased when he was admitted to the hospital. David Gardyne, farmer, said that he had been working near the Taicri Beach road on the 6th inst., when ho noticed deceased driving towards Milton. Ho (deceased) was leaning forward in the trap, as though ho was asleep. The horse was going down hill, and witness noticed the reins amongst its feet, and the animal commenced to kick, and wound up by galloping away. Witness followed, and saw a traction engine in a cutting, which was about 16ft wide. The next thing witness noticed was deceased sitting on the grass, and, when spoken to, he said he thought his arm was broken. Witness did not actually see the accident. Ho had known deceased, who was a farmer at Akatore. and unmarried, for about 25 years. Frederick Hugh Russell, farmer, stated that he was steering a traction engine drawing a load of wool along the road mentioned on the 6th inst. About 2 p.m. they were in the cutting, and ho (witness) saw a horse and trap coming very fast down tho hill towards them. The driver of the engine took the wheel and tried to steer close to tho bank, while witness ran ahead to turn or stop the horse. He failed in this attempt, and the horse tried to pass between the engine and the bank. The wheel of the trap struck the bank, and deceased was thrown out on to the ground Ho lay still for a little while, and then asked what had happened. He did not seem sensible, and gave no reason for his horse running away. Deceased was taken away by Mr Gardvne to Dr Sutherland. 'The verdict returned was that deceased died from pneumonia following injuries accidentally received.