BELLS AND FLAGS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1923, Page 1

BELLS AND FLAGS.

AT BAIL (BOSS I XUS [nv TKf.El.ltAlMt— CKlt I’ItIiSS ASSOCIATION . j (TIBISTCIIFBCH. March ”7. Y\ anting hells and flags figured prominently at the inquest into the death of M. (I. lliordan. wlm died as the result of injuries received in a collision witli a ferry train. ‘‘This is one of those tiufoi lunate railway accidents which are unfortunately ton common.’’ said the Coroner. It was dear from the evidence that when Uiurdau tame to the crossing, the keepper v.as out with his flag. He crossed to the. right of the keeper as the ferry train came through. Apparently he saw the train too late, and collided with the engine. It was also quite clear that if he had taken warning, lie would have been all right. On the whole of the evidence, he was inclined to believe that the crossing keeper came out in the usual way. and win nut late on that occasion. Me stated: ‘T find that no blame is attachable to the crossing keeper, or to any of the railway officers.” He said the verdict wi.iilJ he in accordance with the medical testimony, that lliordan died of pneumonia, following oil injuries accidentally received in a collision. It would appear from the evidence that the warning bells are about a chain down the road on each side ol the crossing. The Coroner added : ‘‘t hat distance is approximately the best distance possible. Tf they were further away there might lie danger in anotliev direction. I am not disposed to find fault with the bells. Tt was true that at the crossing there was considerable noise, but till’ hells were not too eiose to the line.” In regald In the colour ol the log-, lie staled: “The matter ha; mine up several times. I don’t think I can deal with it on th:> neon 1 - 1 m. As far as [ am eoiieerned. I don’t know what 1 should say. Tt is a matter of opinion. On lhr evidence Indore me. the hast tiling for me to do is :•> leave the colour of the tings alone.