INQUEST.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2338, 14 September 1880, Page 2

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Masonic hotel, St Andrews, this morning, before P. Bcctham, Coroner, and a jury, touching the death of Digby Laurcll, who was killed at St. Andrews, yesterday. Horatio Laurell, the father of the deceased, stated that about noon yesterday, two men, who were carting for Mr Caird, of Pareora, required the use of a truck for grain. There were a couple of trucks in the dummy siding, the first of which was a very lowsided one, Thu men objected to load it on

account of there being so many bags to put on. Witness took steps to shunt the trucks clown to the siding, intending to take it on another road when he passed the shod points. The deceased, who was three years and eleven months old, was with him at the time. Witness had got the truck half way over the points when ho was bumped by another truck. The boy’s heal was between the buffers of the trucks, and was caught by them. He never spoke afterwards. Was not aware that the two men wore shunting the truck. Had told them not to do it. By the jury—Did not know the other truck was coming up till he heard the bump.

John Hombs, ploughman, employed by David Caird, Parcora, deposed that lie and his mate were bringing down a truck to load with grain yesterday. Witness went to move another truck in order to get at the one wanted, snug out to the statiomaster “ Look out.” He was in front of thorn shoving another truck. The next thing witness heard was he called out“ Stop, you have killed my hoy!” Witness did not see the boy till he was taken from under the truck," Witness told the stationmastcr that the truck was coming he sang out “all right.” They only did on that occasion what they were in the habit of doing when they required trucks. By the Jury—Did not know till the child was killed that it was intended to bring the truck back. Saw the boy with bis father before they started their truck, but told him to “ lock out ” before shifting it. William Berry, the other man, gave corroborative evidence.

Tiie jury gave the following verdict: - “That the deceased met his death by accident, and that no blame attaches to anyone.” They also added a rider to the effect that the practice of carters shunting trucks themselves when the traffic, fully warranted tho services of a porter for the purpose, was to be condemned.