THE TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1919, Page 5

THE TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.

CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION EXPECTED. j By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, May lfi. In connection with the tramway accident two inquiries may be held, one by the Public Works Department and the other by the Tramway Board. Both will be closed to the press. A large number of claims for compensation are expected by the boards. They have no funds to meet such claims, and if any are paid, payment wil come out of general account. Of those injured Mrs., Matthews' baby girl is in a very critical condition. Mrs. Needham's baby girl is also in a serious condition. Samuel Brunton, aged 47, is suffering from a fractured skull and is very low. The others are progressing satisfactorily. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUIRY. THE CAUSE INEXPLICABLE. Christchurch, Last Night. The evidence submitted at the department inquiry into fclie tramway accident went to show that while the loading was heavy on the car in question, it was nothing beyond what had 'been carried on the same class of car in the past'.' The cause of the trailer leaving the) rails after the car and first trailer liad passed oyer ili« points is still inexplicable, ill' view of the fact that the tram was running on what is known as the "straight/' Careful examination has fliown "tile points at (ETcathcote loop to be in (irst-ela-.s condition. The cars and their equipment also had 'been proved to have been all right.