BENZINE LEFT IN TIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 26, 1 February 1928, Page 9

BENZINE LEFT IN TIN.

CAUSE OF BOY'S DEATH.

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday.

At the inquest to-day into the death of Richard Vernon Watkins, Alexander Gale, aged 10, who was playing with Watkins, said they found a benzine tin in the wash-house at his home, beneath some lumber. They went to an adjoining varant section to light a fire, taking with them the tin, which contained only a small quantity of benzine. Watkins had some dry flax twine in his hand and he dipped it in petrol and set fire to it. An . explosion occurred instantly and Watkins was enveloped in flames. Watkins' younger brother, aged 9, rushed to help him, but was unable to beat out the flames and was badly burned on the hand. The other boys "present ran to tell their mother what had happened. Mrs. Gale said she had no idea the benzine v- a3 on the place, and it must ha\e been left then by the previous occupier.

The verdict was that Watkins died following extreme burns accidentally received. The coroner added that the tragic occurrence should serve as a warning to people not to leave benzine w here children could gain access to it. In this case no blame was attachable to Mr. and Mrs. Gale. He commended [the action of Reginald Watkins in attempting to save his brother.