ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXiX, Issue 7730, 25 February 1909, Page 1

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

. WELLINGTON, February 24. An inquest was held to-day on the body of William Henry Massey, who was killed at Pencarrow quarry by a fall of earth, caiised by an explosion of gunpowder. Evidence was given that the deceased was a recent arrival from England, and an electrician by trade. Contrary to instructions, he was testing a wire m the drive, when the charge—which had previously failed— exploded, and deceased was buried beneath about 3000 tons a>f earth. The inquest was adjourned till later m the HOKITIKA, February 24. A Chinese miner named Young Hee, whilst working m his claim at Blue Spur, sustained a compound fracture of. both legs, caused by a fall of earth. The condition of the man is considered hopeless. WELLINGTON, February 24. Mr J. Wakelin, sawmiller, of Tai- ! hape, was severely injured m Wellington to-night through alighting backwards from a tramcar. His skull was smashed, and he is now m a hospital m a serious condition. Mr Wakelin was on his way to Chvistchurch, where his wife is paying a visit.