BUSH TRAM FATALITY.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1924, Page 4

BUSH TRAM FATALITY.

GEEYAIOrm. AI ay G

Widespread regret and shock was felt yesterday when it became 7 known that Mr William Dudley had been killed instantaneously in a bush tram accident near Burn. Deceased was employed as a tireiiian on a bush locomotive, at which task he linpj only been employed for lour or live days. The accident occurred at a place called .Tones s Hill about eight miles out irnm Rum. at about 8 a.m. The locomotive upon which Dudley was employed was rushing the trucks ahead of it and had reached the top of the hill, when the trucks began to go down hill on their own accord. Whether to couple the trucks or to apply the brakes was the reason for Dudley getting off the locomotive it is not as yet known. The engine-driver had begun to pull up the engine when he felt a jolt. Ihe engine was brought to a standstill within six feet. Getting out to sec wliat was wrong, the driver found Dudley under the wheels of the engine the froiit wheels having passed over the body. Another engine "as coining up behind and with the assistance »>t its engine-drivers and firemen, the body was extricated. Dudley spoke a few j words to them, but died almost inline- j diatcly afterwards. Mr Dudley was only 22 years of age, and the eldest son of AH and Mrs Thomas Dudley, formerly of Slatey’s Creek and now at Alcana. He leaves four brothers and three sisters, one of whom is Alts Hetncra of Alcana-