GREEN ISLAND FATALITY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3619, 24 July 1923, Page 5

GREEN ISLAND FATALITY.

DEATH BY MISADVENTURE. The adjourned inquest concerning the death of John M’Leod, a married man, 56 years of age, who was knocked down and killed by the south express train at Green Island on Saturday evening, 14th, was concluded at the courthouse on Wednesday before Mr J. K. Bartholomew, S.M., sitting as coroner. Sub-inspector Ecoles represented the police, and Mr George Greig, traffic inspector, appeared for the Railway Department. Jcnn Milne, engine-driver, resding at Clinton, and Thomas Hogan, guard on the express train going south on the day in question, gave evidence. The Coroner said the unfortunate man had no right to be on the railway track, and he was undoubtedly a trespasser. The evidence showed clearly enough how the accident happened. It was evident that the man’s attention must have been taken up with the train approaching from the Mosgiel direction, and did not notice the express coming from Dunedin. No blame was attachable to the railway authorities or the engine-driver. There was, however, one question he wished to direct attention, and that was with regard to stretchers. He thought ihe matter of supplying stretchers should be seriously considered by the railway authorities. He did not say that they should be supplied, but he was of opinion tha t the question of supplying them on passenger trains should receive consideration. His verdict would be that deceased’s death was due to his being accidentally knocked down by a railway engine while trespassing on the railway lino near Green Island.