THE RIMUTAKA RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2046, 14 September 1880, Page 3

THE RIMUTAKA RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

[PBB PBBSS ASSOCIATION SPECIAL WIBB.] FEATHERSTON, September 13. The inquest on the bodies of Ada Pharszyn and Francis John Nicholas, who were killed through the railway acoident took place today. Mr Izard watched the evidenoo on behalf of the Government. Dr Spratt acted as ooroner and Mr W. H. Bunny as foreman of the jury. In the early portion of the day only the medical evidence was given, certifying to the cause of death. The jury viewed the bodies and then adjourned to the scene of the disaster by speoial train from Featherston, and on their return the inquest was adjourned to enable the jurors to attend the funeral of Mr C.Pharazyn'a daughter and Mr Nicholas' son. There wore very large numbers of sympathisers from all parts of the province. The onquiry was then resumed. Mr Q.uiun, hotel keeper, stated that he was a passenger in the train, with his wife and five children. He notioed nothing until they got about three chains from the second tunnel, when gravel was blown against the side of the carriage. He noticed the two first carriages leave the rails, and was then thrown down inside the carriage about fifty feet down the embankment, the carriage stopping on its side. In his opinion the wind was not the cause of the accident on this occasion, as ho had frequently experienced a heavier wind. In reply to the foreman witness said that he attributed the disaster to the carriages not bsing properly coupled. He stated that ho saw them uncoupled. Witnees was very undecided at this point, and stated that he was told by a man named Montgomery that there were two new hands on the engine, and that they had brought brandy from Featherston, ar.d the driver and fireman were the worse for liquor. Montgomery will bo subpoenaed to-morrow and examined as to this statement. This closed the proceedings until to-morrow.