DEATH OF FREEZING WORKER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 202, 9 August 1928, Page 5

DEATH OF FREEZING WORKER

INQUEST ON JOHN MORGAN. INQUIRY ADJOURNED. An inquest was formally opened at the Napier Courthouse this morning, before the District Coroner. Mr. £ M. Mowlem. S.M., to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the death of John Morgan, who died at the Napier Hospital on Tuesday, being admitted as a result of injuries received through a fall at the Tomoana Freezing Works at the latter end of last week

Mr. Kelly appeared for the employers, and the Freezers’ Union was represented by Mr. Keenan. James Mclvor, freezing hand, ill giving evidence of identification, stated that the deceased was 47 years of age, married ,with four children, and residing in Victoria street, Hastings, Deceased was employed as a freezer and worked on tne beef practically all the time. Witness saw him shortly after the accident lying on the floor. He was then just regaining consciousness. Deceased was later taken to his home. Witness saw him again that evening, when they had a general conversation, no mention being made of the accident. Later the same evening he was removed to the Napier Hospital and was examines immediately on arrival.

Dr. T. W. Stoddart, of the Napier Hospital, stated that Morgan was admitted to the institution about 9.20 p.m. on Friday last. He was examined immediately and X-rayed without delay Deceased complained of pains at tne back of the chest The X-ray examination disclosed a fracture and dislocation of the dosal-vertabrae and a number of ribs on both sides were fractured. At the time Morgan did not show any clinical signs of injury to the head. Witness was of the opinion that the cause of death was shock from injuries to the spine. At’ this stage the hearing was adjourned to Hastings at a date to be fixed later.