Makarora Notes

Cromwell Argus, 8 July 1929, Page 5

Makarora Notes

HAAST PASS TRAGEDY. John Mcßride, a runholder of Okuru, employed by the Public Works Department at the Haast Pass I rack was killed by a fall of rock following blasting operations on Thursday, j uly 4ih. Deceased was 45 years ot uge and unmarried, and leaves an ittfted mother and Mrs Theo Russell, tormerly of Cattle Flat Station, was a sister. Deceased was a native of i- aibroke and after residing in the United States for a period returned, and was employed in the flaxmilling industry in the North Island, later following the same calling on. the West Coast, to be followed by mining. ,unng the last fifteen years he has been farming at Okuru. He possessed a straightforward disposition and was staunch advocate for the Haast Pass road, and a splendid type of settler, Loaving a wide circle of. friends Ihe funeral was held at Pembroke, following the inquest, Rev. Sullivan officiating at the graveside. There was a large following which included a num ber of old school companions. Pallbearers were workmates and ex-Coast friends He was a valued servant ot the Public Works and has been in .narge of local works for a number of yea ft ß 'the inquest at Pembroke, before iMr R. Walker J.P., and a jury of Hour, a verdict was returned that deceased was accidentally killed while Knj the employ of the Public Works department.