A SHUNTER'S DEATH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 12, 14 June 1913, Page 5

A SHUNTER'S DEATH.

CAUGHT BY HIS BOOT. Per Press Association. Dunedin, Lasf Night. Mr. Graham, district coroner, held a» enquiry this morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of George John Neil, railway shunter, who wa» killed during the course of his employment on Wednesday night at the good* yards. Deceased was 39 years of age. Evidence showed that at the time of the accident the deceased was making up a goods train. He gave the "Come back"' signal to the driver, who responded. Immediately afterwards deceased wa» found on the ground with one leg severed. His foot was fast in the poirite, and his body about five feet away. The' coroner said that about twelve month* ago he held a somewhat similar enquiry,, and drew the attention of the authorities to the advisability of shoes or special hoots being worn by shunters. He had not heard what had been done is the matter. It was stated that there was a notice in the 'loco." shed advising. that clastic boots be worn, but there was so much jumping up and down to be done that clastic boots made the feet sore. They became loose, and constituted a danger in themselves. The coroner: That certainly shows that the authorities have been alive .t» the danger, but I suppose the men wear the boots they prefer, Mr. Wallace, the goods agent', ei* r plained tlmt in his opinion deceased, who' had been so careful, had inadvertentlr misjudged his position and thought that lie was further south and clear of the points. It was not the practice to attempt uncoupling waggons at points. The coroner said it was clear that thecause of death was purely accidental, and that no blame was attachable to anyone. He expressed his pleasure that the remarks he had made at a previous inquest had not been overlooked by the authorities. / '