DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1932, Page 8

DOMINION NEWS

(Ter Press Association). NAPIER, April 29. /An illustration of the improvement created through the earthquake to the breakwater facilities, was given by today’s conditions, which are very boisterous. As the result of the added protection afforded through the raising of the beach and the breakwater, three vessels berthed at the breakwater today, while the inner harbour is nor workable. The vessels include the tanker Paua and the heavy dredge Kiaone, recently hired from the Wanganui Harbour Board to undertake the dredging of the channel to the inner harbour entrance. Owing to the swell she is unable to work in that locality, however. HASTINGS, April 29. Wholehearted support to the movement established by the New Zealand branch of the British Drama League, was given at a meeting at Hastings last evening, under the auspices of the Hawke’s Bay Drama League. There was a large attendance and an interesting address was given by Eliza beth Blake. Thc branch was formed here last year by Harold Ward, and will receive added enthusiasm by Miss Blake’s visit. STRATFORD, April 29. At Huiroa sports yesterday, F. Wickham, while engaged in the 12 inch open chop, sustained a nasty gash on the leg through the axe slipping. He was taken to the hospital His condition is satisfactory. Wellington/ April 29. To determine whether the safest methods had been used in the demolition of the Government Life Insurance Building in Custom House Quay, an inquest was opened into the deaths of two workmen, who lost their lives, when a portion of the buildings collapsed on March 22 last. The inquiry concerned the deaths of Henry John Bryford and Richard Harold Wilson, both of whom were killed when thc strong room prematurely collapsed during the progress of demolition. Leonard Walter Lange, foreman on the job, stated that he considered the cause of the accident was the poor quality of material used in thc construction of the roof of the strongroom, and the absence of reinforcement. The corner where the collapse started had not been touched by the workmen. He considered it would have been safer to use explosives, but the City Council would not permit this tc be done. The inquest was adjourned till Monday.