DEATH IN BOILING POOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21390, 18 July 1931, Page 12

DEATH IN BOILING POOL

PROCEEDINGS AT INQUEST GREATER PRECAUTIONS NEEDED. (Per United Press Association.! ROTORUA, July 17. “The authorities controlling the Whakarewarewa reserve are now aware of the dangerous nature of the pools there—a danger which to my mind always has been present, and I consider it remarkable there have not been more accidents in the past,” said the coroner (Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M.) in returning a verdict of death by misadventure at the adjourned inquest this afternoon on Mary Winifred Runciman, of Waipiro Bay. Ten witnesses were called. Guide Ellen stated that she was conducting a party round Whaka at 10.45 a.m. on July 1 when she saw the Puapua pool very discoloured. One of the tourists drew her attention to a purse about two feet from the edge of the pool, which was very active that day. The geyser usually became active with very little warning, and anyone standing close by could easily be caught in the boiling water. Dr S. H. Hay said that on July 4 he was called to the Police Station, where he -was shown some female remains, all of which he was told were taken from the boiling pool. Death from the shock of falling into a boiling pool would be almost instantaneous. Senior Sergeant Carroll stated that he had known Miss Runciman for nine years. In the pocket of a coat lining taken from the pool he found keys which fitted her suit cases. He was present at the funeral service on July 4 at the pool, which played during the service. It would be unsafe then to approach within five or six feet of it. Lionel John Dayfield, district manager of the Tourist Department, said that so far as he knew there were no by-laws controlling visitors at Whaka. “ I suggest that you should find out; they may need revising,” said the coroner. In reply to the coroner, Bayfield said ho had given instructions for the erection of notices of warning at the dangerous pools. “The evidence leads to the conclusion that the deceased stood too near the geyser and was caught unawares when it played,” said the coroner, in returning his verdict.