PICTON.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 65, 17 March 1911, Page 5

PICTON.

[from our correspondent.] Friday. THE WHARF FATALITY. More particulars are now available with regard to the fatality which occurred on the small wharf on Wednesday evening to a fireman off the Clan Mehaies. It seems that the deceased man's mate was in the water, swimming, at the time, and he went to dive in after him. An inquest was held at the Courthouse yesterday afternoon before Mr R. S. Jblorance, coroner, when a verdict of accidental death, in accordance with the medical evidence, was returned. The most unfortunate part of the affair is that the man was only 34 years of age, and leaves a wife and family of five children in Glasgow, practically destitute, and being off duty and away from the ship the owners are not liable for any compensation whatever. When these facts were known it was suggested to Captain Turton by one or two prominent gentlemen that perhaps a tew pounds could be raised in Picton m aid of the widow and orphans. As the steamer was sailing early that evening, no time was lost, and Captain Turton, accompanied by Mr Edwards, called on several of the tradespeople and others. The response to the appeal was most crenerous, and within an--hour-or. two the sum of £13 12s was raised/ a P" tain Turton expressed himself as most agreeably surprised, and stated that he had not before experienced greaterkindness or thoughtfulness for others in any .other town, either in New Zealand or at Home. Here were people who, from the bottom of their hearts, gave generously to practicauy strangers, though of course the fatality "had occurred' in their port. He, would never forget this sample of New Zealand charity. In the evening, by kind permission of Messrs. Adams Bros., of the' British Pictures, while the evening's entertainment was in progress at Fay's Hall, the Mayor, (Dr Redman) said a few words to the audience, and gave particularsl of the accident and the destitute condition of the family of the deceased fireman, and intimated that a collection would be taken up at the door in aid of;them at the conclusion.. of the evening's performance: This resulted in the sum of £3 13s 6d being secured. This with the previous amount raised, will make a useful sum, and it is expected that an additional amount will be secured before Saturday, when the money will be forwarded to Captain Turton, who will see that, in conjunction with any other money raised for this purpose, it will be judiciously expended for the benefit of the widow and orphans. A report will be sent to Captain Burgess from Glasgow as to the final expenditure. ANOTHER ACCIDENT. . A nasty accident occurred5 on the Clan Menzies on Wednesday morning. One of the men wag. opening a jam tin when the knife slipped, and cut the radial artery. After first aid had been rendered by the captain, the nian was taken' to the hospital, where he w.as attended to by the doer tor, but was able to leave last night with the steamer. A remarkable coincidence is that this man and the deceased fireman lived next door to each other iri Glasgow, and were maibes.