GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1592, 28 March 1873, Page 2

GENERAL.

Theatee Koyal. — The company will, this evening, present " The Lady of Lyons." The cast is a very strong one. Sudden Deaths — Yesterday, a child, about three years old, the son of Mr Cook, residing at Waltham, died suddenly He was running about at six on the previous evening, and appcai'ed quite well. At seven he was seized with a fit, and died at one this morning. Dr Prins was in attendance. Fatal Accident in Lyttelton Tunnel. — A sad accident occurred last night to a labourer named John Stevens, who had been employed at night-work in the tunnel. From information received, it appears that the deceased, with other workmen, left the tunnel at half-past 10 that night, so as to leave the line clear for the late train from and to Christchurch. It is customary to leave one man at the tunnel mouth to prevent any person going in, and to the deceased on that night this woi'k was assigned, and he was especially instructed not to go into the tunnel, but remain outside it until the train had passed to and from Lyttelton. This order the unfortunate man disobeyed ; for, on the train passing through to Christchurch, and tho men returning to their work after, on going up some two chains into the tunnel they found the deceased lying near to the rails, with the half of his head cut off, and his right arm smashed. It is supposed the unfortunate man, finding the night damp and foggy, went into the tunnel to the spot whore he" was found, and which has a small shelving seat. Whilst there, he must have gone to sleep ; when startled by the sound of thetrain, hemust have fallen forward, his head and arm coming in contact with the bottom step of tho engine. A messenger was sent to Christchurch to examine the engine, and the marks of blood were plainly Been on the step of it. SergeantMajor Barsham and Dr M'Donald, on being made aware of the accident, were quickly on the spot, but death must have beon instantaneous. Tho body was removed to the casual ward, Lyttelton. An inquest will be held to-morrow.