THE DEATH OF MR OLIVER WAKEFIELD. Full Particulars. Dunedin, March 21.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 43, 29 March 1884, Page 6

THE DEATH OF MR OLIVER WAKEFIELD. Full Particulars. Dunedin, March 21.

A kew minutes before three o'clock the steam motor, with ear attached, was proceeding at ordinary rate along Princessstreet between the Criterion Hotel and Octagon, w hen it suddenly came to a standstill, exactly opposite the "Morning Herald" office. A. C. Kimball, who was standing on the back platform, jumped off to ascertain the cause, and beheld the body of a man lying at the back of the front wheel of the engine. The engine driver (Peter Sack) and some persons vho had observed the accident, extricated the body. On being raised, Mr Wakefield told Mr Kimball who he was, and a&ked for Mr Larnach, and said the papers on him would give all necessary information. The driver and Mr Larnach at once telegraphed to Judge Ward, and also communicated with Mr E. Wakefield at Timaru. Drs. Maunsell and Scott amputated both legs, but from the iir&t it was seen to be a hopeless case. A few minutes before his death he once more regained consciousness, and recognising Messrs Larnach, Elliott, and other friends who were present, he addressed a few words to them, and then passed away in peace. An onlooker named David B. Lister, who was present when the accident occurred, stated that the unfortunate gentleman was crossing from the "Morning Herald" oflice towards the establishment of Herbert Haynes &, Co., when the affair happened. When in the centre of the road, Mr Wakefield observed an express and the steam motor close upon him. The express was in front of the train, and the enginedriver -whistled in order to apprise the express-man of his danger. The latter twisted his horse aside, and Mr Wakefield in trying to escape the express ran between the rails, and dropped down as if overtaken by nervous excitement in front of the engine. The driver, observing him, shut off' steam as quickly as possible, but the front wheel passed across the victim's thighs before the engine came to a stop. Mr Lister states that the driver acted with commendable promptitude. He also states that when Mr Wakefield was extricated, he opened his eyes and exclaimed in a feeble voice, "Oh! Why didn't you stop?" At the request of the member for Selwyn, the inquest was adjourned till Saturday.