MAN WHO FELL FROM TRAIN SAID ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO ROB HIM

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 February 1949, Page 4

MAN WHO FELL FROM TRAIN SAID ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO ROB HIM

The statement by Mr. Reginald Moffitt, a gardener employed by the Ar Force at Te Rapa, before he died in the Wanganui Public Hospital from injuries received in a fall from the Auckland express near Rangataua on Saturday, that an attempt had been made to rob him, has resulted in widespread inquiries being instituted by the police. Mr. Moffitt was picked up beside the railway line and was admitted to the Raetihi hospital. On Monday he was brought to Wanganui to the Wanganui Public Hospital with severe spinal injuries. He was conscious when he arrived at the hospital and told the police that he had been accosted on the train by a man who asked him for a loan, which he refused. Just before the train arrived at Rangataua he asked a man to open one ot the carriage doors for him as he had only one arm. Mr. Moffitt stated that it was standing near the open carriage door that the man who had earlier sought to borrow money front him attempted to rob him. Mr. Moffitt then fell from the train. The absence of Mr. Moffitt from his carriage was later noticed by a passenger, and it was reported that he had apparently fallen from the train. He was found beside the railway line about 3.30 p.m. on the following day, the accident having occurred about 10.30 p.m. on the Saturday.