WARNINGS SUGGESTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 216, 12 September 1929, Page 23

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 the coroner, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the inquest yesterday 011 the dcatli of Mr. L. A. Jones (29), a telegraphist employed at the Chief Post Office, who was electrocuted 011 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 watf 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 lie had examined the lead used bv Jones. It appeared that the Ilex 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. The power would not exceed 23U 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 ElectricPower Board, Bertram Marshall Mead, said that in an examination of the lead he had found the rubber insulation perished. 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 011 the meters or on the monthly accounts issued to consumers. The opinion that direct and alternating currents were equally dangerous was given by Mr. R. H. Bartley, manager for the Auckland Electric Power Board. Witness said that 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.' 5 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.

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