FACING DEATH

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1331, 8 January 1912, Page 6

FACING DEATH

SENSATION AT PALMERSTON. HAIR-BIJKA'DTH'EisC'AI'K. •(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Palmcrston, January 7. There was an extraordinary escape from ii fatal accident at. the railway crossing nearest the', railway station iii the Square, yc.-torday afternoon. Mr. J.'din Hurley, licensee of the Itailwav Hotel, and Alr>. Hurley's, uitee, Slis's Bredou, of Stratford, were in a jinny carriage waiting for the incoming W'airarnjia train t.i pass, and jirocecded lo cross behind il, when they suddenly found the outgoing Auckland express oil them. "'Mr. -Murky jiullcd Ihe jwii.y round: anil the cow-catcher struck it, breakiiii; a -shaft and splash-board, and can-vim; the pony on clear of it. The pony oventii-illy wrenched himself clear,' leaving a shoe in Ihe cow-catcher. Meantime, both tho occupants had been thrown out—Mr. Hurley on the road, and the lady against the train. Mr. Hurley saw her feet being brushed along t.ho sido of a railway carriage, and, as she fell underneath it, he pulled her clear of the wheels.

The train was pulled up by the Bemington brakes in about 20 yards. The driver had been unable to see the trap, owing to the other train. .Miss Bredon recovered consciousness in a private hospital last night. Though badly bruised and suffering from some cuts there were no other injuries, but she is suffering from shock. ■Sir; Hurley is unable to.use his left arm to-day (through .a knock), • and is otherwise bruised, but was able, to drive out this afternoon.

From time to time there has beeu an agitation for a crossing-keeper at this point, which is in the midst of the traffic of the busiest street. ' REGULAR DEATH-TRAJ?. : THE DEPARTMENTAL APATHY. With reference to this seiisalional event, our Palnierstqn correspondent states as follows:—Fortunately tho express had not got up full speed, or the consequences would have been very much .more serious. ■As it was, the driver promptly applied the brakes and stopped the train within a few vards. Being a busy afternoon, a very large crowd quickly assembled, and there were not a few very emphatic comments on the refusal of the Minister for Railways to put a man at this crossing ■ for the safety, of the public, as-it is an- awful trap, and Mr. Hurley's unfortunate experience will certainly be a warning. Both, the Borough Council and the Chamber of. Commerce have agitated over and over again to endeavour to "et the Railway Department to do something at these dangerous'crossings,' but all m vain. Now that .a serious accident has happened perils the Minister, in his wisdom, wilTsee-liis way, to make a move in this, direction.