A PREMATURE BLAST

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21329, 23 November 1934, Page 19

A PREMATURE BLAST

REGULATIONS NOT OBSERVED CAUSE OF DEATH OF QUARRYMAN An inquest into the death of John - Joseph Quill was held yesterday before Mr E. D. Mosley (coroner). Quill died from injuries received in an accident at the Halswell quarry on November 15. The coroner returned a verdict that death was due to shock which was the result of injuries received when a premature explosion occurred at the Halswell quarry on November 15. The explosion was caused by Quill tamping a hole partially charged with lithyte, with a steel rod. The coroner said that Quill was a thoroughly competent workman used to handling explosives, but he took a risk which most people in similar circumstances would have taken. He had acted contrary to regulations which had been framed to protect human life. The regulations were the result of experience and should be observed in their entirety. Strict observance of the regulations would h"v.: saved the man's life. The coroner expressed sympathy with the family in losing such a good father, arid the City Council in losing such a good workman. \ Dr. L. P. Clark said that Quill "'as admitted to the Christchurch Hospital 1 suffering from multiple fractures '■• the ribs and severe abrasions. He was operated on by Dr. Pu'lon at midday, but died at 3 p.m. from shock from injuries. Edward Paterson, manager of the quarry, said that Quill had been employed in the quarry for 12 years. Quill had been a foreman for four years. He was thoroughly cnn v,l| "t and had a great experience in handling explosives. Witness telephoned ft the ambulance which removed -Quill and his mate Elwards to hospital. Lithyte was the explosive used at the time. It was quite safe until it was soaked in oil. The fuse and detonator had not been inserted at the time of the accident. A steel drill, against all regulations, was found in the hole. Wooden tamping rods were demanded by the regulations. Witness thought the explosive hole had been blocked, and the steel drill had been used to clear it. Regulations Ignored The Inspector of Mines and Quarries said that after a morning's work on the chamber there was great temptation to use a steel bar to clear the hole, but it showed how strictly the regulations should be observed. James Edwards, the solo witness of the accident, said he was working with Quill when the explosion occurred. He was assisting Quill to load a hole. Witness bored the hole. Ten plugs of gelignite were used to chamber the hole. Then he ivdnocl Quill load the chamber with lithyte soaked in oil. He had put in about 51 bags of lithyte when he discovered a blockage in the hole. They tried to free the obstruction with wire and a wooden rod. There was no trace of powder on the obstruction, so witness was instructed by deceased to get a steel drill to clear the obstruction. When witness passed over the drill he said, "She might go off," meaning that an explosion might be caused. While Quill was working the drill the explosion occurred. Witness could not remember much after the explosion. His left thigh was injured and he received treatment at the Christchurch Hospital. To Mr Twyneham, witness said he had never previously had experience of a blocked hole. Thomas McMillan, Inspector of Mines and Quarries, residing in Dunedin, said that he considered there was only one primary cause of the explosion, and that was the use of the steel drill which was against the regulations. Mr Hunter appeared for the City Council, and Mr Twyneham for Quill's family.