LINESMAN’S DEATH

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12354, 26 January 1926, Page 7

LINESMAN’S DEATH

REGULATIONS NOT ADHERED TO WORKING WITH “LIVE” WIRES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 25. The inquiry into the death of Wiliiam Hinks. aged 36, a gang foreman employed by the Auckland Electric Power Board, wae held before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., coroner. Hinks was killed instantly at Mangere on January 18th while working on an 11,000 volt line. The evidence showed that the linesmen Sn the board’s employ are expressly forbidden to work on high tension “alive” wires, and that the work on such lines is not to be commenced until the men are notified that the lines have been made “dead.” Oliver MathTeson said he gave Hinks a list of 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 the tension wires until witness told him 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 ps the only reason for his action. The finding was that death was due to electrocution, no blame being attachable to anyone.