MINER’S FATAL FALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 November 1927, Page 2

MINER’S FATAL FALL

INQUEST AND VERDICT.

The circumstances concerning the death of James Haldane, miner, which took place on Thursday, were investigated at Runanga yesterday afternoon by the acting-Coroner (Mr A. McConnell, and a jury comprising Messrs S. Baddeley (foreman), J. Duggan, R. Smith, and T. Storie. The proceedings were conducted by Sergeant J. Smyth. Mr W. P. McCarthy represented the Briansdale Colliery, and Mr W. J. Joyce represented the co-operative mining party of which deceased was a member. Evidence of identification was given by William Howard, miner, of Dunollie.

John McTaggart, a member of the co-operative party of seven members, working the Briansdale mine at the Ten-Mile, stated that work ceased earlier than usual on Thursday, at the suggestion of witness, as the creek which they had to ford was rising. "When they reached it, there was no chance of fording the stream, so they had to take another route home, through the bush and over the hills, in order to avoid the creek. Near the creek the water backed up, and witness, who was already wet, carried deceased and J. Price through on his back, to save them also getting wet. Deceased then went ahead, and was about four chains in front of witness and Deputy R. Barker. When they climbed the hillside, they discovered the body of deceased, lying face downwards, about five or six feet from the track. Haldane might have tripped over a tree stump or a stpne. The country was not very rough, but was slippery as a result of the rain. They had been over the track only once previously. Deceased had not complained of illness. Barker commenced artificial respiration, and witness went back to the mine for the first-aid outfit, afterwards sending for medical assistance. Barker kept up artificial respiration for an hour and a half until the doctor arrived. The latter and other helpers made good time in crossing the rough country. Corroborative evidence was given by Richard Barker. He added that he saw no sign of dislodged* stones or roots. The light at the time was good. Dr G. W. Meade, of Runanga,; said that he received a message at 5 p.m. on Thursday, and proceeded about a mile and a half into the bush, where he received definite advice from two members of the party to the effect that Haldane was dead. When the body was brought to the road, he found that life was extinct. Later, he discovered extensive bruises on the front of the neck, and a small wound on the forehead. There was also evidence of a fracture and dislocation of the cervical vertebrae. The injuries could have been caused by a fall. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage into the brain from the fracture, and dislocation of the cervical vertebrae.

The following verdict was returned: That the deceased, James Haldane, met his death by falling from the track while descending fforn the Briansdale mine to the main road, no blame being attachable to anyone.