SHELLY BAY DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 92, 22 April 1891, Page 5

SHELLY BAY DISASTER.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER,

(BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. YESTEYtDAY, the inquest on the victims of the Shelly Bay guncotton explosion was concluded. After an hour's consideration tbe jury returned the following verdict:"The jury find that the deceased died from injuries through an accidental explosion of guncotton at Shelly Bay on March 5, but that there was not sufficient direct evidence for them to say what caused the exexplosion." The following rider was added:—"We think that the method hitherto practised at Shelly Bay in the manufacture of primers, is obsolete, and should be discontinued, the pattern of cannisfcer known as service cannister with a pickle bottle top to be used instead ; we also are of opinion that the officers commanding tho torpedo corps in the colony should be instructed by the proper authorities to strictly adhere, as far a? practicable, to the rules issued by the War Office for use in the Imperial service. The jury are,of opinion in this instance that no blame is attachable to Captain Falconer, as he was not ;ftware of the circular relating improved method of loading primers." Notwithstanding the verdict of the jury Mrs Heighton, wife of one of the victims of the Shelly Bay explosion, has laid information for" manslaughter against Captain Falconer. The case is set down for hearing 'on Tuesday. The same witnesses as at *he inquest haVo been subpeenaed.