Sad Railway Accident

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 4 March 1914, Page 2

Sad Railway Accident

Widespread sympathy was expressed with Mr and Mrs W. Channon last Wednesday when it became known that their only son, John William, acting-fire-man in the railway service, had lost his life by an accident during shunting operations at Frankton junction. The deceased was a young fellow of bright and sociable disposition, and the fatality came as a severe blow to his many friends as well as to his parents. He had been on duty for nearly twelve hours continuous when the accident occured, and at the inquest the Jury, who returned a verdict of accidental death, added a rider to the effect that twelve hours of continuous duty was excessive.

The accident was particularly hard on Mr and Mrs Channon, whose only other boy met with an accidental death some years ago. There was a very large attendance at the funeral, which took place at HelensvilJe cemetery on Saturday, the mourners including a large number of young men, an evidence of many friendships he had formed. The floral wreaths and other emblems of sympathy were very numerous. The Rev. C. I. Merton conducted the last sad rites at the graveside.