TRUCKER’S DEATH

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 July 1931, Page 2

TRUCKER’S DEATH

INQUEST AND VERDICT. “That deceased came to his death in the Dobson mine on July 8, from shock and haemorrhage following fractures of his right leg, resulting from a fall of stone from the roof. The evidence shows that the usual' precautions had been taken to ensure the safety of the working place, and that the fall took place without any' warning.” The foregoing verdict was returned by the Coroner (Mr AV. Meldrum) at Greymouth to-day, after i hearing the evidence given during an 1 inquest concerning the death of ‘William AVretham Stone, aged 17 years, a trucker, of Taylorville. The proceedings were conducted by Sergeant D. B. Murray, and Inspector C. J. Strongman represented the Mines Department. Mr C. Hunter, manager of the Dobson mine, was also present. Dr. A. AV. AVilkinson, of Brunner, stated that he saw Stone in the ambulance room when deceased was brought up from the mine. He was then dead. On examination witness found that the main injuries were compound fractures of the right leg in the region of and below the knee, together with extensive muscle laceration. In addition, deceased had various minor abrasions. The cause of death was shock and haemorrhage, secondary to the fractures of the leg. Elias Nordstrom, miner, stated that he was working in the east level section on the morning of July 8, and saw Stone there. Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., he told Stone that he was putting in a prop, and asked Stone if he would help with it. He could not get the prop in until he cleared some coal away. Stone came to the place several times. At the time of the accident about 11 o’clock, Stone was standing on the left side of the place, and witness was on the right, with his back towards the left-hand side. AVithout any warning, the stone fell. AVitness could not say where it fell from, as it was down when he looked around. He could not see deceased, and thought for a moment that he had jumped clear, until he heard Stone groaning underneath the fall. He thought he could not shift the stone himself, but to convince himself he tried for a second or two to lift it, but failed, and went for assistance. He found three truckers, two of whom he sent to the working place. He told the other to get the deputy at once. Witness accompanied the two truckers to the place, and the deputy and other truckers following immediately. The deputy then took charge, and Stone was extricated.

To the Sergeant: He did not at any time consider that the place was unsafe. TT , To Inspector Strongman: He knew that all props were to be 6ft. apart in the Dobson mine. When he commenced work that day all props in the place were 6ft. apart. At 9.30 a.m. a shot was fired by the deputy. The bottom shot knocked out one prop, which witness could not put back, owing to the coal dislodged by the shot. Between 9.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. witness filled six trucks with coal, and removed them. He would not like to say whether the stone would have fallen had the props been set. SOUNDING THE ROOF. James Hallinan, deputy in charge of the east section of the mine, stated that he fired the shot about 9.30 a.m. It dislodged about six or seven trucks of coal. There were two props under the stone, and one of them came away with the shot. Before and after firing the shot, witness sounded the roof, and it seemed to be as “solid as a bell.” He left the place after firing the shot, and was called back to it about 11 a.m., by a trucker, who said that an accident had occurred. Witness went to the place immediately, and found deceased pinned under a stone. Witness told two truckers to go for the stretcher and the first-aid outfit, and, with the assistance of the other man present, extricated deceased.

To Inspector Strongman: The prop was shot out. He did not think it worth while putting another prop in, as the stone sounded so good. A prop could have been put in all right. He did not think the removal of the prop had any bearing on the accident. Had there been two props under the stone, it would have come down all the same, although more warning might have been given. The stone had been exposed for some months. The props were practically six feet apart, except on the right-hand side. Props on that side would have had no effect on the stone. The piece which fell was 10ft x 10ft x 21 inches.

Edward Ernest Hill, underviewer, said he inspected that portion of the mine about 10.20 a.m. Shots had been fired, and loose coal was lying about, which was being cleared away, in preparation for the replacing of the prop carried away by the shot. Witness considered that the plaqe was quite safe, after examining it and sounding the roof.

To Inspector Strongman: The roof was very irregular, but he considered it safe until the prop was replaced. After the fall, 15ft. of roof was uncovered, but at the time of his examination, not more than 9ft. or 10ft. was uncovered. It would have taken several props to hold up the stone. Alexander Cowan, workmen’s inspector, stated that Angus McLagan and himself inspected the place shortly after the accident, and reported upon it. The report was produced, and stated they found a large triangular piece of stone had fallen from lhe roof. The stone had fallen out of a greasy back, and would not give any warning. The Coroner (to Inspector Strongman) : Do you wish to make any comment?

“No,” replied the Inspector. He added that while the breach of the regulation in working without props might have been a contributory factor, he did not think the accident could have been avoided. The Coroner returned the verdict previously quoted.