CONTRACTOR KILLED

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1928, Page 4

CONTRACTOR KILLED

BY FALL OF STONE On Coastal Road MB. JAS. BOURKE THE VICTIM. When nearing the completion of a long and hazardous undertaking a distressing fatality occurred yestcr-| day afternoon whereby Air. Janies Bourkc contractor for the Mabel’s Bay Section of the Greymonth —Westport Coastal Road met his death by a fall of stone. At 3.30 p.m. two big shots were placed in a terrace about sixty feet high. When the shots exploded it was seen that the top of the terrace had not com c away, and Air. Bourke accompanied by one of his men. Air. McMillan climbed up to select a suitable spot to put another shot in. While they were climbing Mr. Bourke noticed the top start to move and immediately sang out to AlcAlillan to get clear. The latter reached a place of safety but Air. Bourkc failed to clear and some five or six hundred tons of rock crashed on him. It was a few minutes before the party realised. what had happened but when it did they immediately extracted the un fortunate man, to find that life was extinct. Had the deceased waited a few minutes longer the top would have fallen in and there would have been no necessity to climb the terrace to select a place for another shot. A sad part about the fatality is that this was the last big obstacle to be removed, as after that there were no more high points, and the work would bavg been comparatively easy. The late Air. Bourke was one of the most well-known identities ot the ('oast, and was recognised as one of the ablest road contractors in these parts. The nature of his work often brought him into dangerous places, but he was never known to shirk responsibility. Born 54 years ago at Barrytown. deceased lived most of his life on the Coast. His wife predeceased him eight years ago. He leaves four sons and one daughter, namely James (Boddytovyn\ George (Gisborne), Clarence (Cobden), John (Cobden ), and Aliss Pauline Bourke of the staff of the Dominion Hotel. Afr. E. Bourke (County roadman Inangahua) is a brother, and Alesdamrs W. Williams (Cobden). R. J. Williams (Grey mouth i. White (Motueka) and Low Wellington) ar c sisters of the deceased. The body was brought in to Greymouth last night to the residence of Mr. James Bourke. a son of deeded, who resides at Boddytown.