KILLED INSTANTLY.
CUT DOWN BY CABLE CAR.
LITTLE GIRL IN DUNEDIN.
(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, This Day.
While on her way to Columba College School this morning, Frances Begg, aged eight, was cut down by the Kaikorai cable car and killed instantly. The child tried to run over the crossing in front of the car. She was the daughter of Mr James Begg, a retired sheep-farmer, well known throughout the Dominion. Last year he was president of the Navy League and was a member of the Taxation Commission of 1924. -Ashburton Guardian, 10/11/1926.
GIRL’S TRAGIC DEATH.
KILLED BY CABLE CAR.
INQUEST OPENED AND ADJOURNED.
A distressing fatality occurred yesterday morning on the Kaikorai tram line, at Highgate, when Frances Begg, aged seven years, was killed through being struck by a cable car. The child was a daughter of Mr James Begg, and a pupil of Columba College.
The girl left her home in Ross street, Roslyn, to attend the college. She had reached the crossing at Highgate when a cable tram bound for the city moved from the waiting shelter to the crest of the hill. The child failed to avoid the tram, and she was struck, falling beneath the body of the car. Assistance was given by passengers, and the little girl was extricated, but it was at once seen that she was beyond human aid. Death was evidently instantaneous.
Detective Russell made inquiries on behalf of the police. It appears that the child’s elder sister, who accompanied her, crossed safely in front of the tram. The deceased attempted to follow, but there was not sufficient time for her to cross before she was struck down.
The Secretary of the Kaikorai Tramway Company (Mr J. Hopcraft) stated that he had been informed that the tram stopped at the Highgate crossing. When it was started again it had just secured a grip of the rope preparatory to getting a firmer hold to descend the hill, when the little girl rushed in front of the tram. The bell was rung as the car moved towards the brow of the hill. The secretary pointed out that the company insisted on the greatest care being taken at the Highgate crossing. The conductor of every tram always stood out in front of the car to see that the line was clear.
The tram was driven by Gripman A. McKenzie, and was in charge of Conductor W. Smith. It is stated that the tram was stopped very quickly.
An inquest was opened at Mr Begg’s house yesterday afternoon before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M. After evidence of identification had been taken, the inquiry was adjourned until 10 a.m. on Monday. Mr Begg, the girl’s father, is a prominent citizen. He is a member of the Board of Agriculture, the Royal Agricultural Society and an ex-president of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Farmers Union, and he was also a former president of the Otago branch of the Navy League, and president last year of the New Zealand Navy League. -Otago Daily Times, 11/11/1926.
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