THE RECENT FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 149, 23 June 1894, Page 2

THE RECENT FATALITY.

CYUNDER EXPLOSION

THE INQUEST.

"ACCIDENTAL DEATH."

After we went to presß yesterday afternoon the inquest into the circumstances attonding the death of Messrs J. W. Lusher and H. 15. Keunetly, who were both killed by a cylinder explosion at the Freezing Works on Thursday, -was held. Dr. Pbilson, Coroner, presided, and Mr Sanford was chusen foreman of the jury. Messrs W. J. Napier and C. J. Tunke appeared on behalf of various parties interested in the Volcanic Aerated Water process. ' Sergeant Clarke represented the police. Evidence as to the accident was given by S. L. Hirat, Dr. Wilkins, R, R. Menz.es, George Drummond, and J. J. Holland. Mr Hirst gave evidence as to his being present when the explosion occurred. He described the explosion, and said that the gauge on the copper cylinder which they were testing in connection with the aerated water process was defective, and whilst it wai only registering a pressure of 2001b there might hare been 500 or 6001b prebßure to the tsquare inch in tbo cylinder. He considered Mr Kennedy did wrong in patting the cylinder into the water. This patent was several years old, and this was the first accident that had occurred as far as he was aware. The process was a simple one; any child could manage the patent. He did not consider that with ordinary care there was the slightest chance of danger, Dr. Wilkins gave evidence as to the abate in which he found tho two deceased gentlemen. Kennedy lived aboub 30 minutes after the explosion. His skull was fractured by tho explosion, and hie brains were protruding. Witness did nob think that sufficient care had been exercised in the manipulating of the machine. Messrs Lusher and Kennedy were either ignorant of the chemical properties of liquified carbonic gas, or else the apparatus wan imperfect). By the apparatus he meant the gauge and cylinder. Scientifically worked the machine was as safe as boiling a kettle. He did not think, judging from the cylinder used, that ie was scrongjy enough joined so stand a pressure of 2001b. He did not think that the fact of immersing the cylinder inta the water was in auy way the cause ot the explosion. George Drummond, the maker of the cylinder, was also examined. He deposed to Mr Kennedy giving him an order for a copper cylinder, to be mad* of 12<guage copper. Witness soldered the cylinder round tight with the best solder. He did not have anything to do with tbe valves. He merely put on the couplings according to Mr Kennedy's directions. Mr Kennedy asked him if he was frightened to give it a 2001b liquid pressure. Witness said he did not think it would be fair to ask him, ac he did not know the working of the gas or machine. He would not have been afraid of giving it a 2001b water test, but he could not aay whether it would bave stood that. There was no danger in a water test, aa far as he knew. Witness knew nothing of the purpose for which it was intended to use the cylinder, nor did he know the properties of the gas he intended to use. Mr Kennedy said the Sydney ones would stand 4001b test. Witness said he would like to see the Sydney ones tested before his own was tested. He did not,know what the cylinder was to be used for. Evidence was also given by Constable Macdonell and Mr J. J. Holland. THE VERDICT. . At six o'clock the jury brought, in the following :-VVThat . the vt two deceased met their deaths accidentally. The jury believe the cylinder to have been of faulty construction,; and that Mr Kennedy erred in further testing itf after'Euowing that such waa the case."