Harry Laing's Tragic Death.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 287, 13 April 1894, Page 2

Harry Laing's Tragic Death.

♦ CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. It appears that Laing, with many i others, was returning from the Mar- j ton races. The train was timed to ' leave Marton at 7.40, and to reach Ford el lat 9.2. Stopping there principally for the purpose of watering the engine, the train was backed to the tank, about 50yds away. Laing, who has a farm at Kauang<troa, near Fordell, had already alighted in company of Mr E Chapman, but boarded the train again for the purpose of saying good-bye to some of hiß friends. He was accordingly carried on as far as the water tank, rfnd the necessary amount of water having been taken in, the train started on its journey to Wanganui. In the meantime, Mr Chapman bad left the trait), and as the carriage was reaching the platform, going at a slow pace, Laing was ia readiness in a croucbing positiou to jump off, he fearing that the train would not stop again at Fordell, as the word bad previously been given " Seats, please ! " Laing jumped from the train just near a decline wheie the station platform terminates, j and as he himself says, he all at once felt giddy, na> turned round, and in the twinkling of an eye was carried under the wheels, which passed over both his legs in a diagonal position Some of the passengers standing on the platform of one of the carriages feeling a jolting sensation, called out "What's that?" The reply came from a Mr Graham, who, to the horror of all replied " Harry Laing's killed." By this time the train was in full motion bound for the next station at Matarawa. and with the very inadequate means of signalling at command it was some four minutes before the engine-driver was made conversant with the fact that an accident had happened. While the train was being backed, the sad news spread like wild fire and the greatest sympathy was expressed for our popular ringside champion. By the time the train reached the Fordeil platform it was found that Laing, had been conveyed to Bennett's Hotel, Messrs George Morse and Ronald Cameron doing everything in their power, with other willing hands, to a'leviate tl-c pain and suffering. Hastily contrived turniquets were applied above each knee to stop further loss of blood. Being placed in the guard's van Laing was attended as above-mentioned, and talking to one of his friends he said, •' As soon as I felt one wheel go over me, I knew I had no chance, and so just laid where I was !" Later on, be said " Foi God's sake, shoot me!" Laing's endurance was extraordinary under the circumstances, and although naturally very low in spirits, his conduct all through was characterised by the greatest courage. In fact, those who travelled down with him in the guard's van (Constable Stacev, and Messrs J. L Grogan, R. Cameron, and A. S. Baker] aver that, although his agony must have becu great, intensified by the jolting ol the train, not a groan escaped bis lips but on the contrary he appeared U know that the amputation of both legs would be necessary, bis only wish beiiif that he would not die before ho reachei the Wanganui Hospital. An inque* will be held at the Courthouse at tw< o'clock to-day, before Mr C. C. Kettle District Coroner.— Herald.