A MYSTERY.

Franklin Times, Volume 11, Issue 851, 17 July 1923, Page 5

A MYSTERY.

SUDDEN DEATH OF H4RSE.

WAS IT ELECTROCUTED'?

A 'mysterious death occurred yesterday of a valuable cart horse owned by Mr F. W. Stembridge, carrier, of Pukekohe. At about 11.30 am. Mr Stembridge, who was engaged by the Borough Council to convey an electric transformer to. the sub-station, situated in East Street, near the intersection with Prospect Ten ace, had arrived at hjs destination. Alter negotiating the hill, ho pulled in close to the bank where the electric pole was located, so that unloading wouM be facilitated. The noise was pulled up quite near to the electric pole, and Mr Stembridge jumped off the cart an’d went to the horse’s head for the purpose ' of turning round and backing into the bank. Suddenly the horse began to tremble violently, and in a second or two fell to the ground dead. When interviewed by a Times reporter la«t evening, Mr Stembridge said he had hold of the reins when the horse fell. He received a distinct shock, and he experienced some difficulty in releasing' his hold on the reins. In his opinion the animal was electrocuted. “I consider lam a lucky man to be alive,” concluded Mr Stembridge.

The borough electrical engineer, Mr W. Wyatt, was also asked to express an opinion regarding the matter. He stated that he wasi making a thorough investigation “When I inspected the pole, there was no indication of a leak but it was possible there was a leak. The necessary precaution had been taken to connect with the earth, to protect all leaks of electric current. The sub-station had been erected strictly in accordance with the Public Works regulations governing electricity. This particular sub-station had been inspected by the two experts who reported on the borough electric services, also the Public Works electrical inspector, and no comments had been made concerning it. We are testing for leaks and a report will he submitted to the council.”

fhe matter was referred to at last night’s meeting of the -Borough Council by Gr Parvim who asked for an explanation.

Mr Wyatt said he ’phoned to Hamilton, and had asked the Government inspector to visit Pukekohe to inspect the sub-station. He had also engaged a veterinary surgeon to conduct a post mortem examination on the animal. The electrical ccmmitits report would be presented to the council.

N 6 further action was taken