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New Zealand Mail, Issue 606, 15 September 1883, Page 12

Several of the residents in one of the most densely populated parts of the city, had a narrow escape from fatal accident on Tuesday afternoon through the boiler explosion in Tory-street, a full account of which appears elsewhere in this issue of our paper. The force of this explosion seems to have been terrific, great masses of wrought iron being carried long distances, one part apparently having been found about 100 yards off. Fortunately, there wa3 no loss of life. The danger, however, was so serious that it is to be hoped a strict inquiry will be made into the accident. At present the cause of the disaster is not known. According toj one rumor, there was not enough water in the boiler, and according to another, the machinery had not been inspected for two or three years, and was out of order. There may, however, be no foundation whatever for these reports ; but doubtless experts in machinery will throw some light on the matter. The subject of machinery inspection has been referred to in Parliament two or three times during the past session, and an effort has been made to provide for the safety of those employed in places where steam-engines are used, but, of course, if there is any carelessness in the workingrooms, the best legislative provisions will be futile. We trust the whole matter will be traced to the bottom, if possible.