ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17299, 26 April 1918, Page 6

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

A man named David Brown Lister, aged 70 years, was found dead at his home, No. S Albion street, yesterday afternoon by his son-in-law. It is not known yet whether an inquest will be necessary. A distressing fatality occurred at tho Sugar of Milk Company's works at Edendalo on Tuesday morning. Tho circumstances indicate that a young man named Marshall Smith, assistant engineer, in the course of his duties, descended a well about 27ft deep to oil a pump, and in re-ascend-ing missed his footing, and fell back on the crown of the pump, fracturing the base of his skull. The unfortunate man was found in tho water at the bottom of the well about an hour after the accident must have occurred. Dr Baird, of Edendale, who was immediately summoned, could only pronounce life to be extinct. An inquest was held by Mr Cruickshanks, S.M., on Wednesday, when a verdict of accidental death was returned. The" deceased was 27 years of age, leaves a wife and ono child, and was tho youngest son of Mr Matthew Smith, of Ravonsbourne. Ho had been about two and a-half years at his employment at Edendale, and gave every promise in his profession, being highly thought of by his employers and by all among whom he worked. •

A returned soldier named Frank Burbery, while acting as ono of the mounted squad in connection with the Anzac Day procession yesterday, lost control of his mount, which careered along lower Ili<rh street and collided with a post at tho Leviathan cornor. Burbery was thrown heavily, and, in the mix-up which took place, suffered serious injuries to his head which necessitated his removal to the hospital. Tho horso was badly injured, and, on being removed to the police yard, it- was found necessary to destroy it. From inquiries made at the Hospital last evening it was learnt that the injured man was progressing as well as could bo expected under the circumstances.

The body of Richard Murphy, a wellknown engineer in the employ of the Westport Coal Company, was found 011 Sunday with the head blown off, apparently by means of gelignite. The deceased, who was about 46 years of age, had been at Dennisfcon for about 25 years. Ho was secretary of the Denniston Medical Association, and for a time was a member of the Buller Hospital and Charitable. Aid Board. He was a married man, and leaves a widow and family of three daughters and one son