KILLED AT A CROSSING.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9932, 31 July 1908, Page 7

KILLED AT A CROSSING.

VICTIM'S CONDITION AT THE TIME.

At the inquest on Alexander Robert Webster—killed by being run over by the Wellingtou-Te Aro train, atj.alfpast eight last Friday evening—before Mr Riddell, S.M., at Wellington, on Tuesday eveuiug, Henry A. Owen, .flren.au on tho engine concerned iv the accident, stated that deceased, immediately after the accident, said lie did not kuow how lie got there. Ho sinolt of drink, but could talk.alhrigl.t. .••?.*-.»

Sergeaut Kelly said/Ire.icould not smell driuk ou deceased', 'who was apparently sober. When Avituess asked him if ho had boen drinking ,l~ie,J.-g----pliod. "I was just as you see mo now." Ho also said lie dirt not hear tho train Avhistle, aud could not tell how the accident happened. He Avas goiug to take the train for Petone. William J. Feeney, clerk in charge at Te Aro, said deceased had boon at the sfaMou some time prior to the accident, aud inquired for a train for Petone. Ho had a greyhound Avith him-.nud Avas tlio Avorse for liquor. Wituess thought lie Avas not in a fit state to Avalk to Wellington station, aud threatened to giA'O him iv charge.

Deceased's widow stated that doceased had been a prohibited person sinco March.

Aftor a littlo retirement, tho jury, returned a vordict of accidental death, with a rider that it Avas desirable that tlio Raihvay Department's attention should bo called to tho unprotected approach oft' Whitinore-strect.