DEATH OF A LINESMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19235, 26 January 1926, Page 11

DEATH OF A LINESMAN.

ELECTROCUTED AT MANGERE. AN ACCIDENTAL OCCURRENCE. WORK WITHOUT AUTHORITY. . 'An inquiry into the death of Mr. William Hinks, aged 36, a gang foreman employed by the Auckland Electric Power Board, was held yesterday, before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., coroner. Mr. Hinks was. killed instantly at Mangere on January 18, while working on the 11,000 volt line. The evidence showed that linesme-n in the board's employ are expressly forbidden to work on high tension "alive" wires, and that work on such lines isnot to be commenced until the men are notified that the lines have been made "dead."

Ernest Clark, assistant linesman, said he was working with the foi'eman on the particular day. They ascended the pole by a ladder, and had placed one wire in position when witness received a severe shock, while Hinks fell to the ground. The only explanation witness could give was that the earth guard accidentally swung round and came into contact with the live wire. Neither man was wearing rubber gloves, which were only used when men were working on- high tension

" alive" wires. There were three high tension wires on the poleTwo witnesses were then called by Mr. Rogerson for the Power Board. Herbert Edwards, reticulation engineer, said it had been intended to make the line dead on the Sunday following the accident, and the work was to be done when the line was "dead." Employees never worked on high tension wires until they were made "dead."

Oliver Mathieson, supervisor of overhead mains, gave similar evidence. He gave Hinks a Jist of the jobs to be done after the line had been made "dead," and the particular work at Mangere was included on the list. No man was allowed to touch tension wires until witness told him that the line was "dead." Hinks was a most cautious man and had a wide experience.

In answer to the coroner, witness suggested over-zealousness on the part of Hinks as the only reason for his action.

The finding was that death was due to electrocution, no blame being attachable to anvone.