RAILWAY CROSSING FATALITY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11650, 19 August 1916, Page 4

RAILWAY CROSSING FATALITY.

ON PUKEPAPA ROAD. MRS F. T. M’LEAN KILLED. Profound regret was felt in Marton yesterday afternoon when it became known that a highly-respected and well-known resident of the Marton district had been instantaneously killed as the result of a motor oar collision with a goods train at the Pukepapa Road crossing, about a mile from Marton. Mr Douglas McLean, a son of Mrs Donald McLean, of Makirikiri, was driving his mother and sister home in a car’, with the hood of the car up and the aide curtain down, They proceeded along the Pukepapa Road, and when crossing the line the car ran into the engine of a goods train from Wanganui to Marton, striking the engine on the steam chest, and smashing several of the gears. The .car was struck twice, and was turned completely round, the radiator and engine being smashed and" both wheels on the right side of the car were torn off. Mrs McLean, who was sitting on the back seat with Miss McLean, was evidently struck on the head by the engine as the car swung round, and was instantaneously killed. Douglas McLean sustained a broken jaw and severe shock. He was taken to Dr. Scott’s residence in a semi-conscious state, where he was attended to by Dra. Watson and Scott. Miss McLean was fortunate enough to escape without any injury. On inquiry this,morning we learn that Douglas McLean has recovered consciousness, and is progressing favourably. The late Mrs McLean was highly respected in the Raugitikei district, and took a keen interest in patriotic work, being one of the most loyal workers of the Marton Patriotic Shop Commfttee, and a great help at the send-off socials to the soldiers. The deceased lady was 56 years of age, and predeceased her husband, Mr Donald McLean, ty ten years. She was a daughter of the late" Mr John Hempseed, of Makirikiri, who was an old resident of that district.

A family of six sons and a daughter are left to mourn tbe Joss of a dqyoted mother:—Messrs D. H. McLean (Cunninghams), L. T. McLean (Rewa), J. H, McLean (Fern Flats), Duncan McLean (TnrakinaBulls road), Francis McLean (17th Reinforcements), and Douglas McLean (Makiribiri), and Miss W. McLean (Makirikiri).

The funeral will leave her late residence, Makirikiri, for the Bonny Glen Cemetery on-Mouday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock.

An inquest will beheld at the Courthouse, before Mr J. J. .McDonald and a jury, at 10 o’clock on Monday morning.