THE LIFT FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 194, 16 August 1911, Page 7

THE LIFT FATALITY.

A SAD CASE. An inquest on the body of Douglas Manttan, importer, who died yesterday, as the result of injuries received through falling fifteen feet into a lift well in the Security Buildings on Wednesday last, was Held by the Coroner (Mr. Thos. Gresham) yesterday afternoon at the Criterion Hotel. W. G. Bell (Government Inspector of Machinery) stated that he had examined the lift, and iound it to be thoroughly protected. Thomas Morris, carpenter, stated that he helped the deeeaaed to unload some cases vhicfi he had brought from the top storey. He (Morris) then put some timber on the lift, which he wanted to take to the next floor. He then attempted to close the door enclosing the lift spacing, but the deceased said that he could not do that as the boxes were in the road. He then pulled the lever, and raised the lift to the first floor. George Thorrington, carrier, stated that he had come at the request of the deceased to remove the boxes. Together they lifted the first case on to the cart, and returned for the second, when Manttan, who had evidently forgotten that the lift had gone, stepped over the edge into the well. He immediately stopped the lift from coming down, and procured medical' aid. Dr. McMaster said that he weat to the man as soon as he received word, dressed his leg, and had him removed to the Mount Pleasant Hospital. On Saturday poisoning set in as the result of infection. The limb which had been fractured at the knee joint, was amputated. On the following Monday the infection recurred, and the man rapidly sank and died on that afternoon. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.