TRAM FATALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1920, Page 5

TRAM FATALITY.

VERDICT OF THE CORONER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington,, Jan. 20. The verdict in connection with the recent tram fatality in Pirie Street was given by Mr Hollings, S.M., this morning. The Coroner found that the three victims, Joseph Small, James Evans, and James Alfred M'Ewen, died from injuries received in the tramway accident. No blame was attachable to the deceased Motorman Small, who lost control of the car before it reached Austin Street through fainting. The conductor did all ha could with the knowledge and materials at his disposal to avert the disaster. He dislodged the trolley pole and applied the hand! brake, but had no means of applying other brakes at the back of the car.

No doubt the corporation would take proper steps to prevent the recurrence of the disaster. The evidence suggested the following precautions:—The corporation should insist on strict compliance with the rule regarding compulsory stops on this dangerous hill. All conductors should he instructed in the mechanism of the car and particularly in the use of the brakes, and, when proficient, should be provided with a duplicate set of handles, 90 that in case of emergency they might be applied at the rear of the car. the glass window of the car immediately behind the motorman, and any other doors, should be kept clear and transparent so that the conductor may have a constantly uninterrupted view of the motorman. The passageway through the centre of the car should be kept clear of passengers and other obstacles so that the conductor may be able to get quickly from the hack to the front in case of accident to the motorman. Incidentally this will also prevent the common practice of overcrowding. A periodical examination of all motormen should be made at reasonable intervals. The appliance known as the d'eadraan's handle might be installed. This would, in the event of the collapse of the motorman, automatically cut off the power, apply the brakes and bring the car to a standstill. It may coat much money, but this should not stand in the way of public safety.

The deceased. James Evans, displaved great courage in going to the front' of the car to assist the motorman. If he had not done so he might, like the other passengers, have escaped with minor injuries. His heroism deserved public recognition.