Fatality on The Railway Line.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12759, 12 January 1905, Page 3

Fatality on The Railway Line.

L'ORTER KILLED AT STRATFORD.

A sad fatality occurred at or near tire Stratford railway station on Wecaiosday night, when Mr C. W. Crocker, a porter attached to tho New Plymouth station, lost his life. How the deceased came by. his death is a matter of conjecture, as no one apparently saw the accident occur. The deceased went out on tho 4.25 train from here on Wednesday afternoon to assist the guard, and intended to return by the mail train from Stratford. It is surmised that Mr Crocker got on the cowcatcher of the express engine for some purpose, and got a knock in some way that caused a7i intc-ma'l injury from which he died. When found Mr Crocker was on the cowcatcher with one leg over the buffer of the engine. There were no visible marks of violence on the body. Life was not then extinct, but the unfortunate young man was apparently in a serious condition. He was placed on the express train for the purpose of convoying him to his home at New Plymouth, but shortly afterwards he expired. A medical gentleman who was on the train examined Mr Crocker before his death, and did what was possible under the circumstances. On the arrival of the train hero the body was conveyed to his fatter "s residence in Devon-street East. Mr and Mrs Crocker, the parents, will receive the sympathy of a large number of friends hi the loss they have sustained through tne tragic death oi their second son. Deceasm was 'about 23 years old, and unmarriec An inquest was opened at the par-: ents' residence at 11 a.m. to-day, and alter the formalities were observed, was adjourned in order to obtain the presence of witnesses.