THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO MR OLIVER WAKEFIELD. The Inquest. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, Saturday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1828, 25 March 1884, Page 3

THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO MR OLIVER WAKEFIELD. The Inquest. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, Saturday.

The inquest on Mr. Oliver Wakefiehl was held to-day at the Hospital befoie Di Hocken, Coroner Mr. Edwaid Wakefield, M.H.R , said the deceased was his brother, and was 40 years of age He was going to Melbourne for his health. He had Leen in a weak, nervous state of health for some time past, and when in that state and likely to lose his nei ye. The evidence as to the accident showed that an expiess vas on the line m front of the tram engine, which was going • very slow, and which whistled loudly. The deceased was passing in front of the express, and as it mosed to one side to allow the engine, to pass he apparently saw the engine for the fiist time. The engine-dih er said thedtceascd came across and lay down in fiont of the engine. He did not try to ero^s after he got to the middle of the mils. Witness was pressed on this point, but maintained, that deceased did not stumble or fall ; he lay down. Mr Stout gave ewdcnce, having known the deceased for nine years. He was :< wiy able man. lie "Was very nervous, and if a tiling came on Jrim by s-urpnse would be taken aback and require a second or two to rollect himself. He was a teelotallar. The jury returned a \cidict that death was the result of puie accident, lesulting from deceased b i ervonsly losing his pie sencfc of mind. The jury added that they differed entnety fiom the engine driver in the opinion lie had formed as to Mr Wakeheld having delibeiately lain down. They also added a lider expi essing a hope that the company would carry out their intention of removing the steam trams as soon as possible, and the Secretary said that they would probably be taken off in ten d.ij'a. Mr Wakefield "was buried this afternoon, amongst those who attended being Judge Ward, the Hon. Mr McLean, the Hon. Captain Praser, Mr Bracken (M.H.R. ), and Mr Stout.

Chaiuctkr, judgement, virtue, unselfishness, ma^-ti \ of one's own belf — it -is these th.i* t'l' in the long inn, far more than brilliai t qualities. I am sure that man ot any common understanding nay by cultme, cue. attention, and lal our, make himself whatever he pleases, except a great poet.— Chesterfield. A witness in a Kansas law court, be ing bulbed l y a cross examining lawyer calling upon the court for protection The judge handed him a pistol. " I have no further question to put," said the lawyer. " A kefeiuvce, is it ? ' exel limed an Irish cook seeking a s.tuation, when asked the lady for a vooni inundation. " An' why should I give ye a nfeiincc ? It is niesilf that's got to live wid ye, an' not you wid me." A Female-suffrage canvasser came with a petition one day to an old fanner, and politely asked him if lie would sign it. He eyed the document suspiciously for a while, and then asked, " What is it?" "A petition in favour of the women's movement," she responded, in her most insinuating tone of voice. ' l Then I'm again it !" said the agriculturist, with the emphasis of a man who had some domestic infelicity. "A woman who's allusa-irovin' is ailns a-gettin' in trouble. If you've got anything to keep her still, I'll sign it/ Truk Courtesy.— A beautiful fact is related of Prince Albert. On one occasion a humble wothy man who had befriended the Pi ince in early life called to see him, and was invited to come to the family table. He began to eat with his knife, ashe had been accustomed, and the yonm» people smiled. Prince Albert looked around upon them, as if to say, " Stop that !" and at once he himself began to eat with his knife, and did so to the end of the meal. After dinner, one of the children asked him why he did so. Prince Albert replied, " It is well enough for us to observe the etiquette of the day ; but it is far more important to avoid insulting people. I wanted my old fiiend to enjoy his dinner, which he could not if he had seen you laughing at him. He is accustomed to use his knife, and it would be quite difficult for him to use the fork instead." This was genuine politeness. The world would be happier and better if there were more of it. •' Sandy," said a town-bred wife to her Highland husband on the arrival of their second child, "ye must go to the christenin' ; but mind ye'reno to tell him it's a bairn, for that's alow vulgar Hielan' word, bnt ye're to call it an infant." "An infant," repeated Sandy — "a' richt 1" And, after further charge from his wife to be careful of his language, he set off to the minister's keeping the word continually on his tongue so as not to lose the sound. The minister lived outside a large town several miles off, and passing through, Sandy met a friend who persuaded the not-reluctant Highland shepherd to come and see the wonders of a menagerie. " What da ye ca* that ?" asked Sandy, pointing to an f animal that was marvellous in his eyes. -_ • " That's an elephant," " Elephant, 'infant— infant, elephant," replied Sandy, ' thoughtfully. He left the menagerie and '■"oroceeded to the minister's. " Well, j Sandy, »U well ?" " All well, sir." "And what did you want with me to-day?" "Wife wants ye to a christenin', sir." '' '• Very tfaA *° near **• And what is it A b oy? » «Na." «A vvmr " Na." " Neither boy nor girl ! Wifyiy what is it then f * " Ib'a a yoang