Originally published February 23, 1911
R. Metcalf, a Farmer West of Town, Loses Valuable Horses.
The question of suitable cattle guards at the railway crossings is likely to come up through the death of three valuable horses owned by R. Metcalf, which occurred last week on a crossing on his farm west of town. Mr. Metcalf was taking the horses to water and had to cross the track. A train startled them and they rushed up the track, and although Mr. Metcalf and others did all in their power to drive them out of danger, they were unable to save them. The train ran into the bunch, fatally injuring three and seriously injuring another.
We are informed that the guards at this crossing were removed and there was nothing to prevent animals from going on the track. This is not a single instance where guards have been removed for the winter, as numerous instances were given at the Grain Growers meeting last month where not only the guards but the crossing planks as well were taken out to make it more convenient for the railway companies. Such being the case, it would seem reasonable that owners of stock that get injured should be recompensed by the rail roads.
