THE CHRISTCHURCH TRAM SMASH

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11847, 31 May 1919, Page 5

THE CHRISTCHURCH TRAM SMASH

Per Press Association. Christchurch, May 3d. The adjourned inquiry into the death of William Samuel Bronton, aged 47, who died as the result of injuries received in the recent tram smash, was resumed before the Coroner (Mr S. E. McCarthy). Motorman Read said he entered the points at six miles an hour, ard then built up speed again. When he felt a jar, he applied the brakes, and pulled up in the car’s length. The tram was overloaded. The trailers had no independent brakes. Conductor Brunton, who was on the first trailer, said on noticing that the trailer was derailed he gave the danger signal. The cars were overloaded, and the trailer which overturned was carrying at least 90 passengers The Coroner: How many passengers are the cars licensed to carry? Mr Johnstone (counsel for the Tramway Union): Tliat is the trouble, sir. They are not licensed. Witness went on to say that in his opinion another conductor the second trailer would have obviated the accident He would know as soon as the trailer left the rails, and signal the fact. Percy D. Tonkin and W. Martin, passengers, gave”it as their opinion that the tram was travelling too fast. Edward C. Farr, of the Public Works Department, said he examined the points, which appeared to be in perfect working order. He could ascribe no cause for thp car leaving one line and going on to the other. J. E. .McEnnis, district engineer, Public Works Department, gave it as his opinion that excessive speed, together with the jolting or rolling of the end trailer, caused the car to leave the rails. The inquiry was adjourned.