THE WAIHI ACCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12268, 12 May 1903, Page 5

THE WAIHI ACCIDENT.

DEATH OP CORNTHWAITE.

INQUEST AND VERDICT.

THE FUNERALS.

[BY TKI.EOJftAFTI. —OWN CORRESPOND EXT.]

Waihi, Monday. William Cohn ; tiiwaitk, one of the men injured in the mining accident on Friday night, died at half-past twelve o'clock on Sunday morning, having never regained consciousness. An inquest was held on Sunday evening, and a. verdict of "Accidental death" was returned. The fouowing rider was appended : " '111 the mining inspector be requested to consider whether any means can be suggested to secure greater safety in pumping shafts, and to forward a report to the Government, in order that the Mining Act may be amended so as to further protect life."

At the inquest on Melbourne Parry, the jury brought in a verdict of "Accidental death," attaching no blame to anyone. The funeral of the late Melbourne Norman Parry yesterday afternoon was the occasion of an impressive demonstration of public sympathy. The combined bands (60 strong) headed the procession, playing the "Dead March." Immediately behind followed the hearse and then came the chief mourners' carriage, occupied by Mr. Luscombe Parry (brother of deceased), Mr. Thos. Owen (cousin), and the Rev. J. Olphert, and a large representation of Masonic brethren and members of the Miners' Union. Mr. Arthur B-osser (representing the Auckland Trades Council), members of the Oddfellows' Lodge, representatives of the Foresters and Druids, and the committee of the Waihi Brass Band (of which deceased was a member), were also present, besides a large number of the general public, including His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Phillips), Messrs. H. P. Barry (superintendent of the Waihi Gold Mining Company), R. J. Williams (superintendent of the mine), James L. Gilmour (mine manager), J. Coombes (assistant manager), and Dr. Guinness. The burial service was read by the Rev. J. Olphert, of the Primitive Methodist Church, who delivered a sympathetic address, in the course of which he said the quiet life and gentlemanly conduct of their departed friend were the outcome of the careful training of his early Christian home. He was every inch a man. The mining company, the workers, and the Government authorities should consider if it» was not possible to adopt further measures whereby dancers to life and limb might be lessened. The burial service of the Oddfeli lows was then read by Brother Charles j Clews. Noble Grand of the John Leydon I Lodge, and that of the Masonic order by Brother John Hume, Worshipful Master of Lodge Waihi. The body of the late W. J. M. Cornthwaite was this morning taken in a hearse to Paeroa, where the coffin was transferred on to the train, en route for Bombay. At" a little after seven o'clock a number of people began to assemble in the street opposite Mr. Flett's Hotel. Meanwhile, the Ohinemuri No. 3 Volunteer Corps, of which deceased was a member, and the Waihi Rifles were drawn up in Main-street. The Waihi Brass Band was also in attendance. Within the hotel Brother Mitchell, A.D. of the Druids Lodge, to which society deceased belonged, read the Druids' burial service over the body. With the band in the lead playing the "Dead March" in "Saul," the cortege moved off, the volunteer companies coming next, marching with reversed arms. The chief mourners' carriage was occupied by Mr. Cornthwaite, sen., Mr. Flett (deceased's father-in-law), Messrs. Chris, and Robert Cornthwaite (brothers of the deceased), and Mr. Wilcox (relative), the next carriage was occupied by Mr. Geo. Johnston (brother-in-law* and Charles and Norman Flett. The members of the Druids followed next- in order. Mr. Arthur Rosser (president of the Auckland Trades Council) and the president of the Miners' Union and the secretary headed the large number of members of the union. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. H. Phillips) and other prominent residents, were included in the procession. At a point about opposite the hospital a halt was made, and those on foot returned to town, while the hearse and accompanying buggies started off to catch the trait. The funeral will take place in Bombay to-morrow afternoon. Feeling reference was made in the Presbyterian, Weslevan, Primitive Methodist, St. Joseph's, and St. John's Churches yesterday to the sad calamity.