Warrant-officer’s Death

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 189, 11 August 1945, Page 8

Warrant-officer’s Death

MASTERTON, August 8. A verdict that Warrant-Officer Ernest Albert Wilde, of Palmerston North, was accidentally killed at Mt. Iloldsworth on July 29 by an explosion from a hand-grenade set as a booby trap for wild pigs was returned by the Coroner (Mr. L. J. Taylor). “It is highly desirable that more supervision should be exercised over the issue of explosives and a check made more frequently,” said Mr. Taylor. He added that it was extraordinary that traps should be laid so close to the foot of the mountain, creating a danger to the public. It was fortunate that a deerstalker had not sprung the trap. There should be a line of demarcation regarding the army area at Mt. Iloldsworth and some form of warning, such as flags, given to the public. Mr. J. Macfarlane Laing, who appeared for the "widow, expressed appreciation to Captain Bradie and his men who searched over rough country late at night and Tan the risk of setting off booby traps. “It is no wonder the New Zealanders overseas have such a fine reputation when we see liow returned men carry out dangerous work so well,” said Mr. Taylor. The evidence showed that Wilde was on military duties and, as officer in charge of the Mt. Iloldsworth camp at the time of the accident, lie had authority to supplement the daily rations with pig and deer meat. He was apparently disarming a booby trap when the grenade exploded and fatally injured him.