WHARF ACCIDENT.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 4, 5 July 1922, Page 5

WHARF ACCIDENT.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S REGULATIONS

OOEONEB ADDS A RDDER^

An inquest regarding the death of a soamajn named John Geoxgeson, a member of the crow of the liner Matatoa, who fell from the ship's Jacob's ladder on Monday evfening and was drowned, was held by the Coroner (Mr. ]?.. K. Hunt, S.M.) this morning. Sergeant Sweeney conducted' the-in-quiry for the police, Mr. W. E. Leicester appeared for the ShtLw, Savill, and Albion Co., Mr. J. F. B. Stevenson for the Harbour Board, and Mr. T. W. Young for the Seamen's Federation.

William Murden, a member of the crew, said that at 6.10 o'clock on the evening in question, he waa coming ashore down the pilot or Jacob's ladder. He passed the deceased on the > wharf, the latter then going aboard by means of the ladder. When, deceased got on to the last step he turned completely and fell into the water. Witness immediately jumped in after him, and succeeded in holding him up until assistance aurived. Deceased1 was then lifted up on. to the wharf, where artificial respiration was practiced without success. Dr. H. C. Ea-ulke said that he also tried artificial respiration, but without success. Death was due to drowning. Arthur, John Cox, an able seaman on the Matatna, also gave evidence as to having seen tie fall. The ladder was a. rope one with flat wooden rungs. Witness also jumped in after the drowning mmn.

To Mr. Leicester: The ladder-replaced the gangway at sunset. To Mr. Young: The ladder was about 6 or S inches off the side of the ship. The top rung of the ladder was against 'the ■/ ship, and every man going aboard would W compelled to climb over the companion ladder. Chief Officer Abbott said that the instructions were for all gangways, and1 ntete to be taken down at sunset. The Coroner: "A net, or some other .protection of life, could be there without any fear of rata going ashore?" Witness: ''The net could be , there." He added that there was nothing to prevent,rats jumping ashore if they so •desired. Mr. Leicester: "Have representations been made to the Health Department regarding the taking away of the gangway?" . • . Witness: "I havo made them myself when the Health Department inspectors have been around." "I think the Shaw, SaviU Co. has now decided to leave the gangway Tip at night?"—" Yes." Mr. Young: "Quite right, too." In answer to Mr. Young, witness said that when a man wished to come aboard he had to signal to the watch to let the ladder down. It would be possible to follow out this practice with a properly constructed gangway. . Mr. Young said that it appeared to him that they were preventing rats coming ashore and sacrificing lives at the same time. The Coroner: "The result of this inquiry will probably bo that that is altered." ' '■ Mr. Leicester: "I aim instructed that there has been another fatal accident from a similar cause. . The Coroner found that the deceased met his death through accidental drowning. "I wftnt, first of all to commend the action of thoso two young men, who very promptly jumped into the water to the assistance of the man," added the Coroner. "Secondly, I want to add the following ridor': 'That the Health Department be informed that steps should be taken to prevent the rerarrence of such ail accident as this by permitting the lowering of a proper gangway to the wharf, both day and' night.' " Tlie Coroner instructed that he Woiild personally convey the ridel' to the Health Department.