THE ACCIDENT AT THE GEAR WORKS

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 465, 25 March 1909, Page 6

THE ACCIDENT AT THE GEAR WORKS

ONE OP THE MEN SUCCUMBS.

■ The hospital authorities reported yesterday that Samuel Wilson (labourer), admitted on Tuesday ovening, died yesterday morning as the result of injuries sustained at the Gear Company's works through the collapse of a steel roof framework. In Petone, sympathy is expressed on all sides with the widow and her two children—a girl fifteen years of age, and an eight-year-old boy. Inquiry last evening elicited the fact that the other two men who were injured on Tuesday, aro progressing satisfactorily, fatanloy Towner, carpenter,., who has three nbs broken, and is rather severely bruised and shaken, is getting along as well as can be expected. Thomas Cross, labourer, is still suffering pain from an injured side and back, but is not in any. danger. The interior of the building (which was being erected for use as manure works) is completely blocked by the fallen roofing lhe twisted steel principals are- lying in a state of confusion, with splintered wooden purlins, adding to the wreck. Everything has been allowed to remain just as it fell the company having issued instructions that nothing about the buildmg shall be removed in the meantime.

INQUEST BEGUN. Yesterday evening at the hospital, before Dr. A. M'Arthur and a jury of six, of which Mr. A. Atkinson was foreman, the inquest was commenced concerning the death of Samuel Wilson. Dr. Hardirick Smith, medical superintendent of the hospital, stated that deceased was admitted to tho hospital at 7.45 o'clock on Tuesday evening, and was attended to at once. He was put under an anaesthetic while his log was being set. After the operation he recovered consciousness, but was very weak. He gradually sank, and died at 5.15 o'clock yesterday morning. Dr. Matthew Holmes, who conducted the post-mortem examination; stated that tho injuries to deceased were compound fractures of both bones of the right leg, and a fracture to the femur bono of tho right thigh. Six ribs on the right side were broken, and had penetrated into the chest and the right lung. Tho injuries were evidently the result of a violent crushing. After tho hearing of tho medical evidence the inquest was adjourned till Saturday morning.