FOUR CITY INQUESTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 271, 16 November 1945, Page 4

FOUR CITY INQUESTS

COMPLETION OF EVIDENCE Four inquests were completed at the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon, before Mr. S. M. Dixon, coroner. A verdict, that death was caused by shock as the result of injuries received through being run over by the Palmerston-Wanganui mixed train at the Victoria Avenue crossing on the morning of October 20 was returned in the case of Mr. Duncan Forbes Kendrick McGill. Mr. P. H. Eustace, engine-driver of the train, stated that he saw an elderly man hurrying to cross the railway line. Witness sounded the whistle and noticed that the signal at the crossing was operating. The man did not stop, and appeared to be about to cross the line. He applied the brakes and lhe man was lost to view. In company with the fireman he made a search but they did not see anyone, and he camo to the conclusion that the man had crossed the line in safety. He did not notice any bump or jar in the engine. Mr. S. I. Cox said he was driving along London Street towards the Avenue on the morning of the accident. He did not see anybody approach the crossing, but after the train had resumed Its journey he noticed a shoe and a walking stick about a chain and a-half from the crossing, and later saw the body of a man. He presumed he had fallen from the train.

Evidence of going to the scene of the accident and locating the body was given by Constable F. J. Alexander. Mr. A. A. Bart or? appeared for lhe relatives. Mr. L. A. Cooke represented the Railway Department, and Sergeant W. Tumilty appeared for the police. DEATH BY DROWNING. Accidental drowning was the verdict returned in the death of James Toura, aged H. veal’s, who was found drowned in the Wanganui River at Castlecliff on the night of October 20. Suicide while of temporary unsound mind was the verdict returned in the death of Mrs. Rawinia Eurua Aperahama. . , Tn the death of Matewai Tiako. who diet; on October 23, the coroner said death was due to widespread untreated pneumonia.