WARNINGS SUGGESTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 215, 11 September 1929, Page 5

WARNINGS SUGGESTED.

DANGER OF ELECTRICITY. TELEGRAPHIST'S DEATH. EVIDENCE OF EXPERTS. Suggestions for warning the public of the danger of electricity were made in lengthy technical evidence given to tho coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.. at the inquest this afternoon on the death of Mr. L. A. Jones (29), a telegraphist cmuployed at the Chief Post Oflice, who wne electrocuted on the morning of August 30, while installing , an "earth" connection for a wireless set at his home. 34, Margaret Avenue, Mount Albert. Medical evidence was given by Dr. A. J. Paterson, who said that he was convinced, as soon as he saw Jones' body, that he had been electrocuted by an electric light lead.

An electrical engineer of the Public Works Department, William Langridge, said that he had examined the lead used by Jones. It appeared that the flex cord was perished. The live ends of the wires, it seemed, came into contact with the lamp holder. As Jones was standing on earth, a complete contact was established. Tho power would not exceed 230 volts. Witness did not agree that alternating current was more dangerous than direct current. He agreed with the coroner that it would be a good idea to post notices drawing attention to the danger of carrying ordinary lamp holders round. An inspector of the Auckland Electric Power Board, Bertram Marshall Mead, said that in an examination of the lead he had found the rubber insulation pcrisaed. He agreed with the previous witness that warnings were necessary. Suggestions were read by the coroner from a statement, which said that these warning should be placed on the meters or on the monthly accounts issued to consumers.

The opinion {Jβ t direct and alternating currents were.-equally dangerous was given by Mr. R. H. Bartley, manager for the Auckland Electric Po.ver Board.

Witness said thab the regulations provided that the attention of the public should be directed to such danger, and each year a statement was printed on the board's accounts. Meter-readers, said witness, had been instructed to warn consumers of the danger. The matter was by no means regarded lightly by the board.

The verdict of the coroner was that Mr. Jones was "accidentally electrocuted." He added a rider, commending to the Power Board the necessity of sending to all consumers a printed notice, drawing attention to the danger of handling leads.