THAMES FOUNDRY ACCIDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 8

THAMES FOUNDRY ACCIDENT.

INQUEST ON M. C. JUDD,

ACCUMULATION OF GAS IN FIRE

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

THAMES, this day,

The adjourned inquest on Maurice Charles Judd, who died as the result of burns received 111 the explosion at Judd's foundry 011 the evening of April 4, was concluded this morning, before Mr. W. 11. Lucas, coroner.

Charles Warner gave evidence that he had been in Judd's employ for 40-years. There had been a previous explosion four years ago. He considered that the close eveiing contributed to gases accumulating which ignited when John Judd stirred the fire. He inspected the works at 4.50 and everything was right. Dr.. Gray said he found deceased and the father suffering from severe burns and shock. Death was due to toxemia and shock.

James Gilmour, moulder, said he lit the fire at 4.30, the fuel being as usual. He closed all the crevices. Later in the evening he saw Mr. Judd and the son go into the works. Shortly after he heard an explosion. He ran and helped the two injured out, and put the fire out. John Blackwood Judd, father of the deceased, deposed that he went into the foundry at 7.15 in consequence of a report that much smoke had been seen. His son accompanied him. He inspected the furnace and saw 110 sign of fire. Then he raked the fire and an explosion followed, enveloping both. The furnace door was four inches off the floor, which he considered enough to create a draught. He thought the calm, muggy night helped to accumulate the gases which caused the explosion. The verdict was that Maurice Charles Judd's death was due to shock and toxemia, following burns received in an accidental explosion," at Judd's foundry, 110 blame being attachable to anyone.