ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

Southland Times, Issue 17003, 29 March 1912, Page 5

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

(Per United Press Association). HAMILTON, March 28. An inquest into the death of Geo. France, who was killed while coaling an engine at Frankton Junction on the morning of Wednesday, was held today. The jury returned a verdict that death was accidental through a crane falling on him, the safety clips not being fixed to the rails. The jury added a rider that the coaling of locomotives should he done by special men, as drivers coming in from long runs were not in a fit condition to make close examination of the cranes: also that the Department should Issue specific rules and regulations for working these cranes, the evidence having shown that there was some doubt as to whpse’duty it was to see that the clamps were fixed to the rails. AUCKLAND,’ March 28. At the inquest on Charles Edward Lees, who died as the result of burns received through his night clothes catching fire, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that death had resulted from shock caused by burns accidentally inflicted. Invercargill very, nearly had Its first tramway accident yesterday afternoon, and but for the prompt action of one of the motormen, It is probable that a life would have been lost. It appears that a young girl boarded a, Gladstone car at the Post Office, mistaking it for one bound for Georgetown. She discovered, her mistake when the car moved, and it had reached the northern corner of Esk and Dee streets when, instead of calling the conductor’s attention to stop the car. she stepped off the car when it was going at about seven miles an hour. Naturally she fell, but fortunately the motorman, V. Haydin, saw her in time, and he pulled the car up in under three yards by the prompt application of the brakes. The girl escaped with a slight bruising, but her apparent foolishness should bo a warning to passengers that to leave a car while in motion is a dangerous thing to do. The prompt action of the motorraan was the subject of much favourable comment by those who saw the accident.