FACTORY TRAGEDY

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1929, Page 6

FACTORY TRAGEDY

INSPECTORS AND SOLICITOR (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. Developments took a sensationa turn at the inquest this morning, when Mr C. S. Thomas assailed the action of the Inspector of Factories, and two inspectors of machinery. Mr Thomas said that the three inspectors, the conduct of two of whom was in question had called and n }tei' viewed witness last Monday night. “Their conduct was such that tjiey would have been severely criticised if they had been solicitors.” Coroner H. P. Lawry: “While some latitude may be allowed in these matters, they took liberties which they had no right to take.” The inquest concerned the death ot Ronald Kempthorne, aged 17, of 14, King St., Templeton, who fell against a fan at the glue and gelatine works of McLaren’s Ltd., at Hornby, on January 29, receiving injuries which proved fatal. The inquest commenced last Monday, and at that time, the question was raised as to the notice to protect the fan which it was said had been issued by Mr E. Hargreaves, an Inspector of Machinery, and which Mr Thomas announced that the company would deny receiving after much evidence had been heard, the inquest was adjourned so that a director of the company could give evidence concerning the visit of the Inspector of Machinery. It was this witness, John Marshall, that the inspectors interviewed after the previous hearing.