THE FIREWORKS FATALITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 207, 7 September 1901, Page 2

THE FIREWORKS FATALITY.

VERDICT OF GUILTY

CAPTAIN TO COME UP FOE SEX TEXCE WHEN CALLED OX.

[By Telegrav 1 -Press Association.] Invrrcargilll last- night. At the Sup met ourt Hugh MeGillvray was charged .vith manslaughter by tiring a rocket in the street and culpably killing Xancy !.. Sneyd. This is the ease in which accused, the captain of the s.s. Invercargill, brought ship's signal rockets to a platform erected in the main street of the town for the display of fireworks on the occasion of the return of troopers on the 12th July. The rocket, which was charged with powder and guncotton, was tired froi’. a temporary socket, which was shattered by the primary charge, and the rocket fell on the platform, where the guncotton exploded, and fragments of the metal case killed Mrs Sneyd, and injured more or less severely some 19 persons.

Mr Sim, for the accused, admitted that his act caused the woman’s death, but argued that had not Trooper Wright, who was on the platform, kicked the rocket where it fell, Mrs Sneyd would not have been killed. On that ground, counsel claimed the acquittal of accused. It was also argued that the Deception Committee, with the Mayor at the head, had erected tiic platform for tlie fireworks’ display, and that the police had not objected, and that accused was induced to believe that the letting off of the fireworks was lawful. Accused seemed to have thought there was sufficient care taken, as in firing there was likely to be the imposition of the greatest danger.

llis Honor said that he intended to put issues before the jury, as “ guilty ” or “ not guilty " might involve serious consequences to accused. The issues in effect were :—l. Was accused guilty of an unlawful act? 2. Had he taken reasonable precaution ? Had ho used reasonable care to avoid the danger of firing the rocket to the best of his information ? '5. Was Wright guilty of an unlawful act in kicking tho rocket off tho platform ? 4. Was Mrs Sneyd killed by the explosion of tho rocket'? llis Honor said that the second issue was tho only real one before the jury. After three hours and a-qnarter deliberation tho jury roturned an affirmative answer to all the issues except number 3, and His Honor directed a verdict of guilty. His Honor said that the jury had practically discharged the accused from tho serious elements of the charge. Accused was ordered to come up lor sontcnco when called upon.