Untitled

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 29 August 1929, Page 5

“I would like to call the attention of the public to the extreme inadvisability of interfering in any way with electric light installations; this was a most- unfortunate accident,” said the coroner, Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., at Auckland, in returning a verdict of accidental death by electrocution at the inquest into the death of Arnold John Kelleher, aged 14 (states an Auckland Press Association message). Arnold was electrocuted on the evening of August 7 at the home of his sister while using an electric light lead. His companion said the two were working on a motor car. Arnold was holding an electric light lead in his hand, and suddenly received a shock. Ho was carried inside and was placed on a. bed, a doctor being called immediately. W L. Langridge, an electrician in the employ of the Public Works Department, said the fatality was caused by a faulty flexible lead plugged into an ordinary light. The ends of the lead were loose in the terminals of the lamp holder, while the cord grip was missing, allowing the live ends of the wiring to make connection with the holder casing. As Arnold was standing on damp earth he received a shock sufficient to cause deatli. Much of the extra work that has boon thrown on the out-patient and dispensary department of the Auckland Hospital this winter was due to the fact that a number of people treated were suffering from lack of proper food, says the “Auckland Star.’’ Attention was calldd to this fact at the last meeting of the Hospital Board (Relief Committee. It was stated that the people wore not bad enough to go into hospital, but should be sent where thev eould go f proper food, warmth and baths. Tihov were sick in mind and body. 'Some sought oblivion in methylated spirits, which was far too easy to obtain, and seemed to have a fatal fascination for people who w.re losing hone. Tt was suggested that perhaps a few rooms at the Infirmary could be sot aside for these unfortunates so that they could be helped to their feet again.