CORONER’S INQUEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1923, Page 1

CORONER’S INQUEST.

An inquest was opened at tho Westland Hospital at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon touching the death of James Stephen 1 . Cowin, of Takutai, South Hokitika, the victim of an accident on tho railway lino the previous evening. -Mr D. J. Evans, District Coroner, presided. Constable Drummond had charge of the case on behalf of the police, and led the evidence.

Andrew Muir, railway surfaceman residing at Tnkutni, said about 7.30 the 1 previous evening he was called to Hie guard's van of tho train proceeding to Boss, and there saw Cowin on a stretcher. Witness assisted to carry the injured man into the railway side-station, where Cowin was made ns comfortable as possible. Along with Guard Stent, witness broke into the office of Perry and Coy’s mill to reach the telephone and report the accident to the Station Master at Hokitika. The Guard stated Cow in had been hit by tlie train, and was being left in charge of the witness. The ambulance and a doctor were summoned through the Hokitika station. Cowin refused whisky and asked for water. Cowin was conscious and said he would be alright, hut later said he felt bad. Witness offered to remove the man's boots, but lie declined the help. The patient remained in the- same condition till the arrival of the ambulance, about an- hour and a quarter after I lie call. Twice in the interval witness rang the Hokitika station, and learned the doctor was out of town, but that the ambulance was coining. The witness identified) the body as that of Cowin, an elderly man whom ho knew for eight or nine months. The deceased was an old age pensioner. Once only saw him tile worse of drink. He was a, quiet, decent old fellow never offensive. Did not think he had any relatives in New Zealand. The condition' of the man when he saw him at Tnkutni, was consistent with being hit by tho train. Did not smell liquor on Cowin after the accident. Constables Anderson and Marshall came over with the ambulance and the man was taken to the hospital. Saw Cowin twice during the day, the last time at 3 o’clock in the afternoon in Hokitika, when he was walking towards the bridge. It was not- until Cowin was taken into the station that witness realised the man was so badly injured. It was on, that account he rang twice for the ambulanco, the second time requesting a. motor car might ho sent if the ambulance was not available. The accident happened at a point about a quarter of a mile from Takutai station or about a mile and a half from Hokitika station. The ease was not considered a serious one at the time, or the engine could have returned with the van to Hokitika. Annie Hamilton, inatron-in-eharge, Westland Hospital received a telephone message from Dr. Toioholmann that a serious case, was being sent to tho hospital. Dr. Baird was at Otira. Saw the patient within three minutes of his arrival at the institution, and realised his position extremely critical. Cleansed tho wounds about the head, and administered a restorative. But the patient died in about five minutes’ time. The doctor was notified of the death as soon as possible. It was between 8.-IT and 9 when fhe ambulance arrived at the hospital. The injuries included a wound on the forehead; one behind the left ear. and one in the neck where there was a large gome. There "as not a great deal of bleeding. All the wounds weic dressed. The man was unconscious when admitted and he expired very suddenly. Death was attributed to shock to the system resulting from the accident. Nurse Burrell, and the witness did everything possible for the patient.

The inquest was then adjourned to 11 a.m. in-day and was resumed at Police Station when additional evidence was taken.

The inquest iu regard to the tlorith of the mmi Cowin was resumed nt the Police Station this morning. Mr Morgan, District Traffic.' Manager, was present, to watch proceedings. R. C. Stent, railway guard, was in charge of l!* 0 train proceeding to Moss, which left Hokitika at 7.20- All lights were hnrning. About half a mile from Takntni the train slowed and a bump was felt as a result of the application of the brakes. The train stopped immediately, travelling only about its own length. Proceeded at. once towards the engine. Saw the old mail lying on the side of the track between the guard van and the passenger ear. His feet were touching the wheel nl the ear almost. T-lis head was down the bank. ITe was clear of the rails. To outward appearance he scorned only to have been knocked over. He was placed on a stretcher and taken to Takntni. He did not speak, hut was snoring as if in a heavy sloe]). Immediately communicated with the Station Master at Hokitika, and reported the ease, asking for the ambulance and the police. That would ho about 7. 10. it'd not consider tile man’s case serious Noticed marks en the neck and the forehead. There was very little blood. Left Muir in charge iu accordance with Mr Payne’s instructions. Anyone on the line where the accident occurred would he trespassers. That portion of the line was used by the public to some extent, but the public had no right on the line. Very seldom people were to he seen at night. There is a road from Hokitika to Takntni. John Moods, laborer, residing at Hokitika. said he saw Cowin in town on the wharf during Monday afternoon. Cowin was the worse for liquor. Picked him up when lie fell about 3.30 o’clock. The man was muddled. Saw him again about A. 30 when he was going on the bridge. He fell, and was picked up, and set down by the little office near the bridge, where he was left. Did not see him again. Mas satisfied the man was under the influence of liquor..

Dr Teiehelmnun said he was called up by ’phone oil Monday night shortly after 8 o’clock, and went to the police station, gave directions to send the ambulance, and later met the ambulance at Hampden .street, where the patient was examined. Found the base of the skull fractured. The fac-iol bones on the left side wore driven in. He was bleeding from the mouth, nose and ears. His ease seemed hopeless. He was semi-comatose. Sent the patient on to the hospital, and telephoned instructions to the Matron, intending to go up later. Shortly after got news that the man died soon after admission. Examined the body the following day. and found ■ nothing further than at the first investigation. The injuries were sufficient to cause death. If lie had been a younger man he might have had a chance .The cause of death was shock, and coma resulting from the fracture of the base of the skull. The injuries were due to a violent blow. A moving train would cause such an injury. Do not think earlier attendance would have saved the life. There was no great delay under the circumstances in securing the ambulance.

Robert Irving, the driver of the train, said ho took the usual precautions in whistling after crossing the bridge. About half a mile from Takutai noticed a person sitting beside the line on the left side going south. Firs* saw him about- 10 yards in front of the engine. He was too close for safety Shut off steam and applied the brakes to avoid any possible accident. Tho train was travelling about 15 miles an hour. The train stopped in less than its own length. When first seen tho man appeared to have his hack to the line, sitting on the side. The headlight showed him up. Looking round after he was passed, he appeared to have moved, his legs wore in the air Formed the opinion he had been struck by the axle box of tho first truck—of which there were six. Went hack to tho rescue, and assisted to make the man comfortable. Did not consider he was seriously hurt, though from the heavy breathing thought he might l>e hurt internqllv. Everything possible was done for tho injured man. It would not have boon possible to return Lo Hokitika with the train. That would have been against the regulations. Especial instructions to do so would have to he obtained from the Traffic. Manager. Did not notice any sign of liquor about tho injured man. Tie was sitting by the side of iho line He may have boon asleep, and was startled by the passing train. 'Constable Marshall gave evidence as to being called up hv the Railway Station, and the difficulty in securing the ambulance. Dr Baird was out of town, and Dr Teichelmann was then phoned. The latter conferred with the police. As Mr Wood, the custodian of the ambulance could not be located, the police were on tbc point of securing a ear at Clements Motors, when Mr Dowell was found, and he drove the ambulance. Just before leaving, there was a report through that the man was improving and had had a drink of water. The ambulance reached ilm Police station about 8.25, and proceeded at once to Takutai, where the man was transferred to tho ambulance, and brought to Dr Teichelmann, who, after examination, ordered the patient to the hospital. This concluded the evidence. Constable Drummond, leading the evidence, said it seemed lo be a point whether some better arrangement could not ho made as to obtaining the ambulance more promptly. The Coroner said he would note lie remarks and forward same for the consideration of the controlling body. The Coroner referred appreciatively to the humane services of Matron Hamilton and Nurse Burrell, who gave the patient every attention. Also to Air Afuir for his concerned action in caring for the injured man. Referring to the death, the Coroner said it was one of the regrettable accidents which occur, hut. there was no blame attachable to

anvono. Death was caused by the deceased being struck by a passing train, and suffering serious injuries, which resulted in accidental death. A verdict was recorded to that, effect.