THE PUTARURU FATALITY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12245, 19 June 1909, Page 5

THE PUTARURU FATALITY.

HOW THE COLLIER GIRLS WERE

KILLED

A LAMENTABLE OCCURRENCE

(Per Press Aswciation.)

ROTORUA, June 18. Evidence given at the inquest on the Putaruru accident shows that trucks of timber were being drawn from the Totara Timber Company's mill to the railway station. The horse was going at a trot and the driver was standing on the buffers behind the horse. He saw the children on the line and called out to them. Some children wtent off the line towards the road. The two girls Collier went to the opposite side of the line and endeavoured to save themselves by standing close to the timber skid. The truck took charge of the driver on the down grade. The brake was at the opposite end of the truck to the driver, who had no control. Before reaching the children the driver jumped off, ran to the back of the truck, and put the brake on. But it was too late. The truck came in contact with the children, who were crushed in the chest. The driver saw tho children fall. An examination by Dr. Stewart, five minutes after, proved the accident to be fatal and pronounced life to be extinct.

Tho driver's view was obscured by trees. He was within" 15 yards of the Children before he say them. A verdict of accidental death was returned, no blame being attached to anyone. A rider suggested the removal of the trees.

The girls were aged 12 and 14, and were returning from school. They were their parents' only children, and much sympathy is felt for the parents. Mr Collier,, their father, works in connection with the mill.