LEVEL CROSSINGS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16462, 14 June 1919, Page 8

LEVEL CROSSINGS.

GROSS GOVERNMENT NEGLECT. Per Press Association. PALMERSTON N„ June 13. When returning a verdict of accidental death on J can Pedersen, aged 10, who was run. into at a level crossing by the New Flyniouth-Wellington express on May 27, the coroner (Mr. Page, S.M.) stated that the train was evidently travelling through the crossing at a high rate of speed. The whistle was properly sounded, but on account of the adverse wind the sound of the whistle of tho approaching train was not so noticeable as it might have been under other conditions. It was clear that if tho children in the trap had taken proper precautions they would have seen the train approaching and averted the tragic occurrence. The coroner added the following rider; “Whatever may bo the legal position of the Railway Department, I think, in the public interest, there should be at crossings of this nature an automatic alarm bell to give warning of the approach of trains. The crossing is in the,centre of a small township, is used a great deal, and some trains pass over it fit great speed. If such a bell had been'installed the child would not have lost her life. Although an adult in possession of his normal faculties would probably not be caught at this crossing, it must be remembered that the crossing is used by children, who may be thoughtless, and also by others, such as elderly people for instance, whose faculties may not he keen.”

The New Zealand Timns has compiled a list of level-crossing accidents which have occurred in the Dominion this year. Details are as follows: January 17—-Gore; William Robert Donald, 19 years, motor-cycling at Wiiipa, killed by north-bound express. February 21—Cambridge: Dr. and Mrs. Staploy, motoring across level crossing;' Mrs. Stapley was severely cut about face with glass from broken wind-screen • Dr. Stapley shaken and bruised; Febr»ary 24 Helensvillo; Fisheries Commission, while motoring, just avoid collision. March s—Dannovirke: Boy knocked down. April s—Newmarket: George S. Connor killed. May 27—Palmerston North (Bunnythorpe Crossing) ; Spring cart collided with New Plymouth train ; Jean Pederson killed; Alexander Pederson, fractured skull and left leg; Ronald Pederson, skull injured and thumb fractured; Phyllis Pederson uninjured. May 27: Kaiapoi; Motor-bus and train; no one injured. June 4 Dannevirke: Married woman had miraculous escape from death.