SHUNTING FATALITY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1925, Page 1

SHUNTING FATALITY.

I'.VIDKXCK AT INQUEST PALMERSTON N., August 12. \n inquest was conducted tliis morning hy Air (Irulnun. S.M.. coroner, into the death of Thomas Carmichael, a shunter, who died on the evening ol August 3, from injuries received the same morning, white engaged shunting m the local railway yards. Witnesses of the accident alleged that the two foremen were incompetent. One was in the habit of harassing men continually, with the result that the deceased, who was of an excitable nature, became agitated, anti theiei'ore was unable to do bis work properly. livedince was given that the shunters are not being properly trained, and were engaged on dangerous work w ithout experience, resulting in a menace to themselves and others in the yards. Kor the past two years they had l>ecn endeavouring to secure a public inquin into the conditions of shunting at Palmerston North, but their Union would not give evidence behind closed doors. Several witnesses alleged that Carmichael was incompetent, and yet had been made second shunter, and told he would soon he lit for the position ot head of the shunting gang. One of the shunters working with deceased at the time of the accident, said that since then, at his own request lie had been ro-appointed a porter, as he deemed it unsafe to work in the yard under the existing conditions. Evidence was also given that a delay occurred in securing medical assistant and the fact that, deceased lay some time exposed, in the ticket lobby ■ awaiting an ambulance,‘which the station stretchers would not fit causing further delay, while a stretcher was being obtained, ft was admitted on both sides that the men were not trained in first aid work. Therefore, none was given. \ doctor said that the deceased would have had a bettor chance of surviving if he had been kept warm, and rendered first aid. The Coroner commented on the numf>er of like accidents in the Dominion. They were not entirely due to careless men. The men stated there was unrest and anxiety in the service, and it was not to be wondered at. It appeared that the system was radically wrong somewhere. The Magistrate suggested a general public enquiry into the shunting conditions, with particular reference to Palmerston Nortn.

He commented also on the lack of first aid knowledge, and the delay in summoning medical assistance. He observed that the Coaching Foreman in charge of the station at the time of the accident appeared to show some lack of regard for the injured man, and more regard for the Department.