OCCLUDED CROSSINGS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1931, 13 December 1913, Page 9

OCCLUDED CROSSINGS.

OVERHANG OF TREES.

LINE FATALITY AT AUCKLAND,

Teleirapli.-i'roes Amoolatlcu.l

. . Auckland, December 12. An inquiry was held this morning bciore Mr l'raser, S.M., concerning the of Ihaddeus John Petford, who was billed m a .level crossing accident at Unslon lload, on December i ic r 11 . a - ys Speared on bohalf of tho ltaihvay Department, Mr. t" c'i' Helton for tho relations, Mi. J. otanton for Messrs. Bond and Bell (deceased's employers). W J. Robertson, w j lo was driving the voliicle m Onslow Road at tho time of the accident, said, that..he passed Totford and crossed the lino. Ho then heard the engine whistle, aiid looked round to see deceased trotting his horse on to tho line. Petford did not appear to catch sight of tho approaching train until ho was almost cn the line. Even then witness believed that Petford could have, saved his life if he had cared to jump clear of his vehicle, but instead he shortened his reins, and endeavoured to pull his horse clear. Witness added that lie. knew tho locality well, and it was impossible to sec trains approaching from Auckland-until one was right on tho line. Tho down trains, moreover, shut off steam, and consequently could not be heard approaching from any distanco away. To Mr. Fraser: One riot knowing that there is a crossing there could easily get on the rails before knowing anything about it. .Mr. Skolton: That represents tho particular danger so far as motorists are concerned. Mr. Mays said that lie would like to call evidence to show that there had never previously been an accident in this locality. Mr. Fraser replied that- ho did net, think that evidence of that kind could assist. It was rather a question of what could ha done. Mr. Mays: Nothing can be done. Mr. Fraser: Cannot the Government under the Public Works Act enforce tha clearance of trees and similar obstructions? * Mr. Mays: The onus.in that direction" is on tho controlling local body Mr. Skelton:' I would' like to" know what provision the Railway Department is prepared.to make .in tho future."Are they. going_to' put a gate, warning boll, or i some similar precaution at Onslow Road? Mr. Mays That is' a Departmental': matter affecting 5000 crossings in New Zealand. There are only threo oonrseri open: To provide an overhead' bridge, subway, or permanent crossiitg-keoper. At Onslow Road tho latter is the only course possible, but it is for tho Government to say whether this shall be done. _ Further argument was. hoard, after which Sir. Fraser said that 'tho facts were plain. Deceased was driving along the Onslow Road'at a comparatively slow pace. It was evident that the whistle of tho train was blown, but it appeared equally evident that deceased did not hear the whistle. The train proceeded along almost noiselessly at this point, steam having been shut off. Deceased apparently had • not linticcd t.hc train until almost on tho line. 110 might. oven then, r have escaped with his life had he not attempted to save his horse. It was evident that no blame could be attachable to the driver or engine-driver or fireman. With regard to tho general position', Mr. Fraser said that there was no doubt that the Onslow Road crossing was a verv dangerous one. since a view along the lino could not be obtained until one rrot on the rails. ■ Tiro position was complicated bv tho fact that thero was a bank and vigorous growth of trees at this snot. Moreover, tho "stop" signal, as he had himself observed, was practical!v hidden and a stranger might well find himself on the crossing before he know that the crossing was there. The legal position was one which he need not enter into. It was difficult to say whether local authorities had any more, authority than tho Railway Department, bevond' tho power to order the lopping off of overhanging limbs of trees. In any case, .that matter could not bo settled by him sitting as a coroner. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.