EXPLOSIONS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 47, 6 February 1911, Page 1

EXPLOSIONS

CITY MEN HAVE NARROW ESCAPE.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.}

Christchurch, 5- - By an explosion of benzine which took place in the city this morning, two men narrowly escaped with their lives; one/ S. T. Patterson, was somewhat severely burned, and the other, H. Kernahan, was not quite so badly burned. . Both were taken to the hospital, L but Kernahan was.able to go to hishome after his burns were attended to. Patterson is still in the hospital. The fire brigade received an alarm shortly after 11.30 p.m., and were soon at the premises wherethe explosion took place, in Hereford street, almost opposite the Tourist Department’s office. The premises are occupied as offices, Patterson’s office being a back, room on the first floor. It appears that Patterson and Kernahan were engaged in the preparation of some sort of varnish when, accidentally, a lighted gas ring that was in use fell into a tin of benzine which instantly exploded,, and enveloped the men in flames. Exactly how they escaped is not know, but Patterson was burned about the head and shoulders. The brigade got the flames out promptly, confining the damage done practically to Patterson’s office, which was severely damaged, the contents being practically destroyed. The contents of the office beneath, occupied by Wm. Hobson, solicitor, were damaged by water. The premises are owned by Tonks, Norton and Company, and are insured in the Atlas office for £9OO. Hobson’s office is insured in Wrahces on the contents of Patterson s office were not ascertainable.

FEDERAL MEMBER KILLEI> BY ACET¥LENE. Sydney, Feb. 5. Mr. G. B. Edwards, member of the Federal House of Representatives for North Sydney and a man named Graham were overhauling an acetylene plant at Edwards’ residence when an explosion occurred and both were killed instantly. They received terrible injuries about the head. The force of the explosion blew the bodies several yards and wrecked the shed.

Edw’ards was apparently- standing over the tank watching repairs. He .will lie a severe loss to the F ederal Opposition, of which he t was one of the most prominent and the strongest members.