GIRL STRANGLED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 272, 17 November 1941, Page 2

GIRL STRANGLED

BY WASHING MACHINE

COMMENTS AT INQUEST (0.C.) WHAN G ARE I, this day. A suggestion that a foot switch which would require to be depressed in order to operate the rollers of washing machines would militate against accidents was made by Mr. D. Waddell, voluntarily recalled to give additional evidence at the inquest into the death of Ima Taafe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. B. Taafe, of Kaitaia, who died as the result of an accident with a washing machine at the home of her parents on November 3.

"It is my opinion that the incorporation of such a fitting in all types of washing machines would be an added safety device," witness said.

"Immediately on the release of the foot pressure the operation of the machine would cease." His suggestion would apply to the operation of the wringers only, he added.

Medical evidence was given by Dr. W. R. McKechnie, who said in his opinion death had been caused by strangulation when a piece of siiken scarf worn by the girl became entangled in the rollers of the wringer. The machine was in perfect working order, with no mechanical defects.

The coroner said he had given much attention to the problem of how the scarf became entangled in the rollers, as the machine was fitted with e\-ery possible safety device. His conclusion was that "the light silken scarf had somehow come into contact with the wet rollers, had adhered, and had been drawn in. One revolution of the rollers had been sufficient to prevent the girl from freeing herself.

He warned peoDle using such machines to take care that there were no loose ends to their clothing. A verdict of accidental death was returned.