On Friday morning some children were playing on the foreshore along the railway line, when an engine shunting came along, and before being able to get clear, Terrence Charleston Burrowes, 8th son of Senior Sergt. Burrowes, aged nine years, was knocked down and run over. The injury was so severe that the lad died on removal to the hospital. Much sympathy is extended to the sergeant and his wife, for Terrence was a general favourite with all who knew him. -Southern Cross, 6/1/1917.
DEATHS
BURROWES, — At Invercargill, on January 5, 1917 (the result of an accident), Terence Charleston, beloved youngest son of Sergeant John A. and Patricia S. Burrowes, of Deveron street; aged 9 years. Deeply regretted. Funeral private.
KINGSLAND & FERGUSON, Undertakers. -Southland Times, 6/1/1917.
INQUEST.
THE RAILWAY YARD ACCIDENT.
An inquest touching on the circumstances of the death of Terence Charleston Burrowes was held on Saturday afternoon by the Acting Coroner (Mr Jas. Ward, J.P.) and a jury of four, of whom Mr Hugh Hunter was chosen as foreman. Sergt. Kelly conducted the inquiry for the police, while Mr H, P. West watched proceedings on behalf of the Railway Department.
Evidence was given by Jno. Burrowes (father of the deceased), James Burrowes (his brother), Wm. Leonard Brewer (a playmate), Guard Clark and Driver Smith, N.Z.R., and Dr Woodhouse of the Southland Hospital. The evidence disclosed that the deceased and two of his brothers, in company with their chum Len Brewer, had been fishing at the mouth of Puni Creek during the forenoon on Friday. As noon approached they tied their lines and went off down the beach to kindle a fire, for they were “camping” and intended cooking their own dinner. After a time one of the Burrowes boys took charge of the fire, while the other three went back to examine the lines. For a time they followed the beach, but it became necessary to take the railway property before they could get to the mouth of the creek. The lads saw no one shunting and heard no whistles. They were just about opposite their lines and the boy Brewer was down over the bank again when James and Terence Burrowes were running backwards. Terence was nearer the rails than his brother when the latter glanced over his shoulder and saw a line of stock trucks bearing down upon them. He shouted, but was too late and Terence was struck. The trucks were still moving and evidently carrying their victim with them when plucky little 11-year-old James grasped his brother's arm and pulled him clear. Then the boys summoned the shunting men who at once ran the sufferer up to the hospital. James then went off to inform his father while the lad Brewer carried the bad news to the other brother down at the fire. — Dr Woodhouse said that although the deceased was conscious when admitted to the hospital at 13.35 his injuries were such as to render his case hopeless from the first. His right leg was amputated and his other wounds dressed but he lived for only thirteen minutes after he was taken back to his ward. Death was due to shock following on the injuries. — The railwayman, who had not seen the boys all morning, stated that it was not customary — and was not considered necessary — to give warning whistles when shunting.
In returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence the Coroner and jury expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents and family and commended James Burrowes for his prompt action in the emergency. -Southland Times, 8/1/1917.
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