James Porteous

James Porteous was a Redan man killed in after falling from a tram.

History
Porteous died after falling from a Ballarat tram: "FATAL TRAM ACCIDENT. BALLARAT. Tuesday. James Porteous, 36 years of age, was accidentally killed to-night at Redan. He was riding on a tram from the city to his home at Redan, and attempted to save a woman seated next to him from falling. Both, however, fell to the ground. Porteous fell on the back of his head, and was picked up in an unconscious condition. The tram returned with him to the city, and he was taken to the hospital, where it was found that his skull was badly fractured. He died a few minutes after admission. Deceased, who was a single man, resided with his father, Mr John Porteous produce merchant, of Redan. He was a man of fine physique, and was a prominent member of the Y.M.C.A." "FATAL FALL FROM A TRAM An inquest was opened on Wednesday, by Mr J.M. Barker, J.P. on the body of Mr. James E. Porteous, aged 36 years, who was killed shortly before midnight of Tuesday by falling off a tram. After evidence of identification had been given, an adjournment was made until Monday next. Mr. Porteous was proceeding to his father's home in Skîpton-street, Redan. Miss Elizabeth Featherstone was also a passenger by the same car. She intended to alight at South-street, and requested the conductor to stop there. She did not notice that that locality had been reached, but at the loopline, a little further along the track, where the cars always slacken speed, she thought that South-street had been reached, and half rose from the seat, expecting the car to stop. The curve in the line caused Miss Featherstone to lose her balance, and Mr. Porteous attempted to save the lady from falling, but failed to do so and was thrown on the back of his head. He did not speak after the mishap. Miss. Featherstone injured her hand and was badly shaken."