DEATH BY ELECTROCUTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 176, 25 June 1938, Page 3

DEATH BY ELECTROCUTION.

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 24. An inquest into the death on May JO of - Sidney. Martin Sheppard, aged dO, yard foreman for the Wellington Meat Company at Ngahauranga, resulted in a verdict by the Coroner (Mr E. Gilbertson) that death was due to electrocution through contact being -accidentally (established between 'an iron pole and a galvanised iron fence on which deceased was standing. The evidence showed that a number of men were engaged in cutting down an old iron pole. A derrick was used to hold the polo when it was cut through, but the two men on the ropes were unable to hold the load, and the pole made contact with the overhead power lines on the road. A big electrical disturbance followed, and it was assumed that deceased was electrocuted by reason of his contact with the fence. • The Coroner said the only point at issue was how the pole was let to sag like it was, the evidence showing that the tackle was in good order, the guys taut, and the gear ample to deal with the job with one man, let alone two.