INQUEST VERDICT

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 278, 20 August 1938, Page 7

INQUEST VERDICT

Accident At Freezing Works

A verdict that William Cowan, Raroa Road, Johnsonville, died at the Wellington Public Hospital on July 29 as th? result of injuries accidentally . received while working at the Ngahauranga meat works was returned by the coroner, Mr. E. Gilbertson, at an inquest in Wellington yesterday. He found that the immediate cause of death was post-operative shock, and expressed the opinion that no blame was attachable to anyone.

Mr. G. R. Powles appeared for the Wellington Meat Export Co. and Mr. C J. O’Regan for the widow of Cowan.

Dr. D. R. Whyte said that death was due to post-operative shock and the crushing effect of the accident. Cowan told witness that he had been caught between the open door of a meat truck and a line of stanchions.

Cross-examined by Mr. Powles, Dr. Whyte said that Cowan was admitted at 5 a.m. on July 29. An'operation was performed at 5 p.m. and an amputation of the leg about 5.30 p.m. Cowan’s heart was perfectly sound. The collapse was not usual. The operation, which was postponed because of shock, was normal in every way.

Sydney Giles, freezing chamber hand, said that he and two others were working with Cowan loading trucks. After the accident Cowan was conscious and told witness he had slipped.