REWANUI EXPLOSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1928, Page 3

REWANUI EXPLOSION

DEATH OF MR G. GARDNER.

Mr George Gardner, engine-driver at the State Coal Mines’ power-house, Rewariui, who was admitted to the Grey Hospital on Friday evening, suffering from injuries received through the exjlosion of a boiler died yesterday afternoon. Deceased was fiftyone years of age, and was a native of Ashington, Northumberland. He came to New Zealand with his .father fortyseven years ago, and 'had resided on the West Coast since. He was a number of years a resident of Brunner, and waa, interested prominently there in football and athletics. He had been an eniployee of the State Mines for the past twenty-four years, and was an efficient and reliable engine-driver. He is survived by his; widow, and one son, Mr Robert William Gardner, of the Railway Department, Christchurch. Deceased was an . old member of the

Brunnen Druids’ Lodge, members of . which are invited to meet at the Greymouth Lodge room to-morrow at 2.15 p.m. to attend the funeral. The funeral will take place to-morrow, leaving the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr A. Shannon, Tarapuhi Street, Greymouth, at 2.30 p.m. for Karoro Cemetery. The Railway Department advertises in this issue that the usual 4.50 p.m. Greymouth-Dunollie train will run '/ through- to Rewanui to-morrow (Tuesday) in conectioh with the funeral. INQUEST OPENED. An inquest was opened at Greymouth this morning, before Coroner W. Meldrum. Senior Sergeant C. E. Roach conducted the proceedings, and MrW. J. v Joyce appeared on behalf of the relatives. Evidence of identification was taken. Robert William Gardner, railway employee, residing at 9 Norton Street,* New, Brighton, said tht deceased was his father. Witness way with him in hospital when'he died. He was suffering from severe burns, and a crushed right foot. Deceased was in good health up to the time of the accident. The proceedings were then adjourned until ten o’clock on Saturady morning. Mr Joyce said that a further adjournment might then be necessary, as an enquiry might be meanwhile ordered by the Minister of Mines.