AUCKLAND TRAGEDY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 147, 6 June 1936, Page 8

AUCKLAND TRAGEDY

Difficult to State Cause of Explosion DAMAGE TO BUILDING By Telegraph- Picss Association. AUCKLAND, June 5. Interviewed regaroirg the disastrous explosion at the Colonial Ammunition works, Mr J. C. Whitney, geueral manager of the firm, said he was not prepared to venture any theory concerning the cause of the accident. All that could be ascertained was that the explosion occurred near one of the machines in the assembling-room tor sporting ammunition, and there was some doubt that even the fullest investigations would reveal indications as to the definite cause. The machine near where the explosion occurred was a comparatively new one. Mr Whitney estimated the damage to the building at between £350 and £4OO. The fact of the building being constructed of galvanised iron undoubtedly saved any further injuries and loss of life, as a brick structure must have crumbled badly under the force of the explosion. The inquest into the death of Miss Clifford was opened and adjourned sine die. The coroner, Mr McKean, S.M., said he would want extensive inquiries into the possible cause of the accident.