STRUCK BY TRAIN

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 191, 21 August 1935, Page 5

STRUCK BY TRAIN

ELDERLY MAN’S DEATH

CORONER’S INQUEST TO-DAY

“James Stirling, of Hatuma, died on August 8, on the railway line near Waipukurau, from severe bodily injuries due to fractures of ribs and breast-bone, causing severe injuries to the heart and lungs, and sustained through being struck by a southbound train, while he was walking along the line. No blame is attachable to anyone.’’ The foregoing was the verdict returned by the District Coroner (Mr. W. E. Yates, J.P.) at an inquest resumed to-day. Charles Henry Harrington, railway surfaceman, said that on August 9, about 7.45 a.m., he was one of a party going to work along the line. About half-a-mile from Waipukurau they saw deceased lying beside the railway line, and on the right hand side. Close by and over the fence was a felt hat. Deceased was dead. Witness notified the police and Dr. Fisher. Witness knew the deceased and had often seen him on the line, especially during the last 18 months. Witness had, on one occasion, warned him not to trespass on the line. He knew he was in the habit of wandering about the country. There was a passenger train which left Waipukurau about 6.30 p.m. and a fast goods train which left about 8’ p.m. Witness saw marks some distance along the line where the deceased had walker, and the marks of a spade, -where he had used it like a walking stick.

Dr. W. B. Fisher said that in response to a message he went to the scene of the accident, where he found the body of deceased lying on the right side of the rails, facing south,

up against the signal wire. Rigor mortis was fully established, and in witness’s opinion death must have occurred at least 10 hours previous-

ly. Subsequently, he made a further examination of deceased's body. The injuries were consistent with his hav-

ing been struck by a train. In witness’s opinion death must have oc-

curred immediately following the blow, and was due to severe injury to the heart and lungs. Constable D. H. Sutton said that when he arrived at the scene of the accident, he could see that deceased had walked from the Hatuma direction, and had been dragged or knocked back by the train 13 or 14 paces. The spot where the body was found was well fenced on both sides of the railway track. The engine drivers of the 6.30 p.m. passenger train and the 8 p.m. fast goods train had been interviewed by the Palmerston North police. They had stated that they had been asked by the Waipukurau railway station to keep a look out for an old man walking along the line between Waipukurau and Hatuma. They, did not feel a bump or anything. Witness had known the deceased

for some time and knew that he was in the habit of wandering away.